


'^y<^ir^//.^M. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



i.^f 










MEMOIR 



OP 



ELIZABETH T. KING. 



WITH EXTRACTS 



FROM HER 



LETTERS AND JOURNAL. 




BALTIMORE: ' - 
ARMSTRONG & BKRRT 

1859. 



y o n 



^.(f^ 

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^^?.i^^ 



Entered, accordiDg to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by 

FEANCIS T. KING, 

In tlie Clerk's Office of the District Court for the State of Maryland. 



ELECTEOTTPED BY PRINTED BY 

T. B. Smith & Son, Baker & Godttin 

82 & 84 Beekman Street. 1 Spruce Street 



MEMOIR 



-^-^>- 



In attempting a brief memoir of one 
so dearly loved, much hesitation has been 
felt while lifting the veil, and exposing to 
view, the inner life of our sensitive, shrink- 
ing friend. Yet it has seemed that a de- 
scription of her life of faith, and whole- 
hearted dedication to the service of her 
Master, was called for as a testimony to the 
efficacy of that grace, by which she was 
enabled to become what she was ; and as 
an encouragement to others to follow as 
implicitly as she did, the Captain of their 
souls salvation, and thus be made more 
than conquerors through Him. 



4 MEMOIPv OF 

Elizabeth T. King was the daughter of 
William C. and Hannah T. Taber, and was 
born in New Bedford, MasssachusettSj on 
the 18th of 7th month, 1820. 

From childhood she was remarkable for 
a loving, sympathetic disposition, which 
rendered her thoughtful of the comfort of 
others, and attentive to their wishes. 

Yery diffident and retiring, she seemed 
entirely unconscious of her own power of 
winning affection, and was disposed to 
shrink from observation. But, while gen- 
tle and yielding where principle was not 
involved, she was firm in her impressions 
of duty, and earnest in their fulfillment. 

Richly endowed with intellectual gifts, it 
was her delight to cultivate them, and for 
some time the pursuit of knowledge was 
very absorbing. The facility with which 
her tasks were acquired, together with her 
gentle disposition, and strict integrity, 



ELIZABETH T. KING. 5 

rendered her a favorite with her teachers, 
and her school-days were passed with 
pleasure and success. 

' Her love of the beautiful was early de- 
veloped, and she was ever ready to appre- 
ciate it wherever it existed. This faculty 
opened another and lasting source of hap- 
piness, which elevated her spirit, and in- 
sensibly gave a tone to her feelings. To 
her every thing in nature had a language, 
from the delicate flowers and grasses in 
the meadows, to the splendor of the sun- 
set sky, or the grandeur of the ocean. 

In later years her enjoyment of these 
beauties was chastened and enhanced by 
her suj)reme love for their Divine Author, 
and while admiring their beauty and sub- 
limity, she turned with loving confidence 
to Him who spread them forth, being 
able to say, ''My Father made them all." 

To a person of her imaginative tempera- 



6 M E M O I R O F 

ment and refined taste, poetry could not 
fail to be attractive, and her own pen was 
often employed in thus expressing her 
feelings. Her timidity and self-distrust 
were, however, so great, that most of her 
youthful efforts were destroyed. 

The traits noticeable in childhood in- 
creased with her riper years, and her mem- 
ory well stored with incident, her agree- 
able manner of expression, and the re- 
fined taste which instinctively selected 
whatever was valuable, rendered her so- 
ciety very attractive. 

Those who knew her, will well remember 
the charm of her gentle voice and manner, 
her speaking eye lighted up by the mind 
within, and the irresistible influence she 
exerted on all around. This was remarka- 
ble through life, and as her mind matured, 
and other thoughts and feelings gave place 
to the desire of consecrating her all to God, 



^t. 18.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 7 

these powers, chastened and refined by 
grace, rendered her indeed a polished in- 
strument in her Master's service. 

The winter of 1838 was passed in Phil- 
adelphia at school, where her health was 
so much injured by severe application as 
to occasion her return home. For some 
time serious apprehensions were felt by 
her friends lest the injury should be per- 
manent; but at length she was restored 
to comparative health, and with return- 
ing strength, her desire for usefulness in- 
creased. 

Her own description of her feelings at 
this time was thus given to a dearly loved 
friend: — 

Netv Bedford, 5 mo., 8th, 1839. 
Shall I confess that the prospect of returning 
health has a tinge of melancholy with its joy. 
To the humblest among us Hfe has fearful re- 
sponsibilities, and now I almost shrink, as I stand 



8 MEMOIROF [.Et 19. 

npon the threshold, and view its cares and vex- 
ations again ready to assail me. 

I have suffered much since I left you, but 
the winter has passed almost happily ; for, in all 
that I have experienced, I have been confirmed 
in my favorite Wordsworth's beautiful belief, 

' Naught shall prevail against us^ nor disturb 
Our cheerful faith^ that all which we behold 
Is full of blessings;' 

which is only another version of the promise we 
have from higher authority, *A11 things shall 
work together for good.' I will try to feel this 
accomplished in health, as well as in sickness, 
and fulfill the only wish I have ever felt about 
my future life, that I might not live in vain. 

Until this period she had seemed almost 
entirely devoted to the enjoyment of lit- 
erary pursuits, and the pleasures of the so- 
cial circle. Though naturally very conscien- 
tious, she had not yet given her heart to 
God. But now He who had formed her 
for the purpose of His own glory, was 



^t. 21.] ELIZABETH T.KING. 9 

pleased to convince her of the unsatisfy- 
ing nature of even the highest earthly joy 
—that, of a truth, 

*' Nor man nor nature satisfy 
Whom only Grod created." 

From this time a change was wrought 
in her feelings, which her own letters to 
the same valued friend will best describe. 

Kew Bedford, 2 mo^ 15th, 1842, 
I think I am growing more inclined to try 
every thing by the test, * Cui bono T — not in a 
devotion to mere utihtarianism, but to examine 
the bearing of all our business and pleasures on 
our eternal interests; and I try to withdraw my- 
self from vain speculations, and be quieU 

The truth is, we can not buoy ourselves up 
long ; we must have something to cling to which 
is firm and fast. "We are wilhng to do every 
thing but yield simple obedience, try any rem- 
edy but the waters of Jordan to make us clean ; 
but all this is but a vain endeavor to escape from 



10 MEMOIROF [JEt.22. 

the simple trutli as it is in Jesus. I feel inclined 
to say witli the poet, 

' Me this unchartered freedom tiree ; 
I feel the weight of chance desires, 
And Thee I now would serve more strictly if I may/ 

ISTew Bedford, 11 mo., 6tb, 1842. 
If there is any thing which degrades the soul, 
I think it is a devotion to worldly wisdom and 
expediency. I have watched its deadly blight 
creeping over the soul, and withering every 
noble and generous feeling, till my heart has 
ached, and does so still. After all, there is 
nothing which can truly ennoble man but pure, 
genuine, thorough Christianity. Without it he 
must not only be wicked and wretched, but de- 
graded and miserable. 

New Bedford, 8 mo., 1843. 
■^ "^ ^ I have nothing to record but strug- 
gling, for the most part I fear in vain, sometimes 
almost sinking, and still, I know not how, kept up, 
so that I do not utterly lose hope and comfort. 
Then, too, I lose my faith, but I try not to. 



Mt2S,] ELIZABETH T, KING. 11 

and deliverance will perhaps be wrought, though 
I see no way. So many temptations, and so 
great a tendency to yield to tbem, I think some- 
times the enemy is indeed let loose, and power 
given him over every thing that seemed to prom- 
ise hope of overcoming. It is not always so, 
however, and sometimes I have glimpses of a 
rest which has been promised, and have a realiz- 
ing sense that ' He is, and that He is a rewarder 
of them that diligently seek Him.' 

Many snares beset me, in society most of all 
I think, for there are few who view things as I 
do. Not that I often speak of these subjects; 
but, if we are desirous that one great principle 
of action should be established in our hearts, it 
alters our estimate of every thing else. Things 
do not seem as they once did ; we can not be 
what we once were; we remember how mys- 
terious and almost repulsive these views were 
to us, and know how they seem to others 
now. 

New Bedford, 3 mo., 13th, 1844. 
Indeed, I am bound to acknowledge that I 
have not been left alone, though my unfaithful- 



12 MEMOIR OF [^t. 23. 

ness has deserved it. Sometimes^ when bowed 
under a sense of my transgressioDS, the blessed 
conviction of the sufficiency of the Redeemer's 
blood to cleanse from sin — to save ns^ as some 
one expresses it, not only from the penalty but 
the power — ^has arisen on my mind with a heal- 
ing certainty. 

But I am often sorely tempted^ and my faith 
fails, and my love grows cold, and I have scarce- 
ly grace to bemoan my weakness. I do not often 
speak of my inward feelings, but all this is very 
true. I have been tried in many ways, and have 
suffered much from sorrow for sin, from the 
agony of sacrificing some cherished idol, from 
the contempt of others ; but the hardest of all 
is to feel that the world will gain the ascend- 
ency — that it is far, oh very far, from being my 
meat and drink to do the will of God. 

Elizabeth T. King had always the care 
of pious parents, exemplary members of 
the religious Society of Friends, yet she 
herself had never until now made that 
open and decided acknowledgment of her 



^t. 24,] ELIZABETH T. KIKG-. 13 

Saviour, which, with love and charity to all 
His true followers, ever afterwards marked 
her devotion and consistency as a member 
of that portion of His Church to which she 
belonged. 

The following letter, written to one of 
the friends of her youth, who had not seen 
her for some time, will give an account of 
the change which had taken place in her 
views and feelings : — 

ITew Bedford, 11 mo., 7tli, 1844. 

Thy question rings ia my ears with a half- 
painful sound, 'What has changed you so?' 
The change has been so gradual, that I am not 
aware until I meet those who have not seen me 
for years, that it is so great, but then I almost 
invariably hear some remark of the kind. 

"Well, dear, time and care have no little ef- 
fect; although it maybe a slow wearing, it is 
a sure one, and though an enthusiastic, ardent, 
restless temperament, may be difficult of subjec- 
tion, it is one which shows the process better. 

2 



14 MEMOIROF [^t. 24. 

When thou knew me I felt more keenly, but 
was less happy than now— now that joy has not 
so much power to elate, or sorrow to depress 
me — now that my aspirations are very nearly 
quenched, and my mind ' subdued to what it 
works in.' It is a less interesting condition, but 
it is one much more comfortable. I smile with 
a little sadness when I hear myself spoken of as 
so calm ; for, after all, if we are in any degree 
purified, it is ^ so as by fire.' I consider mj^self, 
however, as having great reason to be thankful 
that circumstances have been such as to com- 
pel me to this course; that cares, anxieties, sor- 
rows which I could not elude, have continually 
checked me, and forced me to form a more so- 
ber estimate of life. 

Now I only wish to form a habit of seeking 
for pleasure in duty alone, resolutely rejecting 
any enjoyment which conflicts with it in the 
slightest degree. I have such an abiding sense 
of the transitory nature of both earthly joys and 
sorrows, that I feel it to be wrong to be much 
moved by them. Why trouble ourselves about 
the inconveniences of our journey, or be excited 



^t. 24.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 15 

hy a pleasant occurrence that is soon passed 
by? 

Does thou remember the Eastern fable, that 
Solomon, on being asked by a prince to give 
him a maxim which should prevent him from 
being elated by prosperity, or depressed by ad- 
versity, gave him, 'This also passeth away.' 
SomethiDg of this feeling is continually in my 
mind. 

But I do not mean to speak as if I even 
wished to attain to a mere philosophical calm- 
ness. If m any degree the restless, irritable, am- 
bitious feelings of my early youth are quieted, 
if I am enabled to be more useful, and to find 
pleasure in that, rather than in the gratification 
of my own tastes (and I long that this may be 
more and more the case), it is, thou wilt know 
and feel, only owing to that grace which is mer- 
cifuUy extended to us, poor, miserable, blind and 
naked as we are, to which nothing is impossible, 
or there would be no hope of our ever becoming 
meet for the kingdom of heaven. 

Our Father mercifully stains the beauty of 
this world in our view^ dims all our pleasant 



16 MEMOIE OF [^t 24 

pictures, shows us the vanity of our desires, lets 
us feel the deep disappointment of having our 
wishes refused, or one deeper still in having 
them granted, that we may long for * the quiet 
habitation' which He provides, and learn to be 
thankful beyond measure for the * still waters' 
which we once despised. 

The way is long and sometimes dreary, but 
we are journeying to a better habitation, that is 
an heavenly. Is not this enough ? Let us en- 
courage one another to press forward to receive 
suffering as well as enjoyment thankfully, and 
let patience have its perfect work. 

To an intimate friend- — 

New Bedford, 11 mo., 14th, 1844 
I have been passing my time very pleasantly 
in Philadelphia, but rather too much in the bus- 
tle after all, and I now long to get quietly settled 
down to home duties, feeling that such a con- 
stant round of enjoyment is not the most favor- 
able, even to happiness ; but it has been very 
pleasant. People are so much more kind to me 
than I deserve, or can possibly understand why, 



^t. 24] ELIZABETH T. KING. 17 

that it must and does give me great satisfaction. 
I have been away from home five or six weeks, 
and visited New York, Baltimore, Washington 
and Philadelphia ; and if I can only go back, 
and feel that I have not done any one any harm, 
it will be a great favor, — if I can only hope that 
I have not been led so far out of the way as to 
prove an occasion for stumbling in any. We 
can not avoid influencing others^ and being in- 
fluenced by them, and it is a fearful thought 
that a brother's blood may one day cry against 
us. Oh, my dear, I do at times feel that it is 
such a serious thing to live, that I am almost 
overwhelmed with the many considerations it 
involves. And while we feel our weakness, we 
are not always willing to go to the right Source 
for strength ; shrink from the patient waiting, 
the quiet endurance of shame and suffering ne- 
cessary for our purification. I am grieved to the 
heart at my own ingratitude and willfulness. But 
still our Father cares for His rebellious children, 
and embitters their cup of enjoyment, refuses 
them the blessings they most earnestly desire, till 
in the day of His power they are made Avilling 

2^ 



18 MEMOIR OF [^t. 24. 

to submit. Indeed, we have cause to bless Him 
* most for the severe.' 

We have all felt much sympathy with you 
in the recent affliction you have experienced. 
We were well qualified to sympathize in such 
a sorrow. But there is such abundant consola- 
tion withal, that our natural grief is silenced 
when we think that our beloved ones are taken 
away from so much evil. Sorrows wear upon 
our hearts, and storms of temptation assail, till 
in bitterness of spirit we may say, 'Mine eye 
shall no more see good ;' but they are at rest — 
they dwell forever by the still waters, and lie 
down in the quiet habitation. We will praise 
Him for this, and may we be enabled to live so 
that when He is pleased to summon us also from 
a world whose beauty He hath dimmed, we too 
may die the death of the righteous, and be ad- 
mitted to a place, though it be the lowest, in the 
mansions prepared for them. 

To the same friend on the death of her 
father — 

New Bedford, 3 mo., 4th, 1845. 

I have often thought of thee during the last 



^t. 24.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 19 

few weeks witli the tenderest sympatliy and af- 
fection, and have frequently attempted to ex- 
press it ; but what could I say ? No human 
consolation can avail at such a time, and I feared, 
unbidden, to touch so deep and so recent a wound, 
lest I might only add to thy suffering. Yet I 
trust thou hast not lacked consolation^ but that 
thy heavenly Father has been to thee as He hath 
promised, strength in weakness^ and a present 
help in the needful time ; that the arm of Divine 
Love hath been around thee and beneath thee, 
preventing thee from sinking in the waves of 
aflliction. We have all cause to mourn the loss 
which we have sustained, and, above every sel- 
fish consideration, we mourn that the Church, 
now in her need, should have lost one of her 
most valiant soldiers ; but it is the Lord — ^let Him 
do what seemeth to Him meet. Oh, my dear 
friend, what a blessedness it would be to know 
our own wills wholly swallowed up in the Divine 
will, so that we might be careful for nothing in 
any way. Sometimes the heavy chastenings ap- 
pear to accomplish this in some measure, and is 
it not often the mission on which they are sent?" 



20 MEMOIR OF [JEt. 25. 

The following extracts are from her 
journal, which, from this time seems to 
have been kept with much regularity : 

7 mo., 1st, 1845. I am very much tried with 
my imperious and impatient temper. May I be 
able to overcome this. Tlien I have a tendency 
to self-indulgence. May I be favored to feel that 
the one thing needful is the only thing desirable. 

15th. Father, feeble and unworthy as I 
am, Thou knowest the desire of my heart is to 
serve Thee. It is Thou who hast given this de- 
sire ; Thou wilt not refuse it. Make, I beseech 
Thee, the way plain before me, and enable me to 
tread it in the obedience of faith. 

8 mo., 16th. ^I will take heed to my ways, 
that I sin not with my tongue.' I have been too 
careless of late in repeating tales to the disad- 
vantage of others. that I may walk in the 
fear of the Lord all the day long. I have felt 
that we were not to ask for temporal blessings, 
or spiritual comforts, but only that we might be 
fed with food convenient for us, even though 
that may be the bread of adversity and the water 



^t. 25. ELIZABETH T. KING. 21 

of affliction. * Shall we receive good at tlie hand 
of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil ?' 

9 mo., 1st. May I be led and guided in all 
my steps by Him who is the only Leader, that I 
may give np every thing which He requires, in 
little things as well as great. Oh enable me to 
bear patiently the daily cross, looking for no 
comfort or pleasure out of the fulfillment of Thy 
will. Give me to travail availingly for the wel- 
fare of Thy Church militant, for those that are 
dear to me, and for my own advancement in the 
pathway of holiness. I have only sins and weak- 
nesses to bring to Thee ; be pleased to have 
compassion, and afford a little help to struggle 
against them, manifold though they be. 

31st. I have been much favored to-day, in 
my retirement, with quietness, with desires for 
more entire devotion, and with a view of the 
marvelous love manifested in the Saviour's life 
and sacrifice, and its ef&cacy. Oar Saviour! 
How blessed is the sound! May I be guided 
every moment by His Spirit, and be kept from 
sin of any kind or degree. 

10 mo., 15th. Yesterday I had a call from 



22 MEMOIR OF 



[^t. 25. 



. I talked much, and perhaps not un- 

profitably ; but it had an exciting and unfavor- 
able effect, as it tended a little to the exaltation 
of self. I can not bear to have my quiet dis- 
turbed ; and those periods when, as it were, I rest 
under the shadow of His wings, are so precious 
that I desire to watch jealously lest any earthly 
feeling should draw me from this refuge. There 
is no comfort, no satisfaction, in any thing else. 
The heart can rest in no earthly home ; not too 
entirely even in that which, is provided to cheer 
it as a brook by the way. 

11 mo., 21st. I liave continually to struggle 
against my pride and selfishness. Oh for the 
rest of true humility ! Could I attain to it, how 
much should I enjoy. Well, in the beautiful 
language of one of our early Friends, ^ None are 
so weary but He takes care of them^ and none so 
nigh fainting, but He puts His arm under their 
heads ; nor can any be so beset with enemies on 
every side, but He will arise and scatter them ; 
and none are so heavy laden, but He takes no- 
tice of, and gently leads them — so tender is this 
Good Shepherd over His flock.' 



^t. 25.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 23 

Oh what .marvelous loving-kindness ! To be- 
lieve in this constantly would be an abiding 
comfort; but our own weakness and faithless- 
ness interpose many clouds between us and the 
Sun of Righteousness. 

It is but justice to her character to say, 
that these complaints of irritability and 
selfishness arose from her desire to be tho- 
roughly conformed to the perfect Pattern. 
Her conduct was ever marked by a scru- 
pulous attention to the wishes of others, 
and a striking forgetfulness of self. 

The time was now approaching in which 
she was to leave the home of her child- 
hood, and assume new duties and respon- 
sibilities. 

But in the midst of her anticipations of 
happiness, the glories of the enduring hab- 
itation seemed to assume a more definite 
form, and in a farewell note to a dearly- 
loved aunt, she thus writes : — 



24 M E M O I r. O F [^t. 25. 

New Bedford, 12 mo., 28th, 1845. 

All, my dear, what is our happiness — the 
greatest on earth, where the most confiding love, 
the deepest and truest affection, are based on the 
sure foundation of perfect esteem, and sanctified 
by our Father in Heaven, to the bliss of the re- 
deemed spirits of those who have gone before 
us. 

I can not tell thee how heaven opens before 
me — no more sorrow, no more partings, no more 
of this clinging earthly love, no more droopiug 
under the weight of feeling, which our hearts 
can not bear, and, above all, no more sin; but 
clearly and confidingly we look upon the Fa- 
ther — no cloud of the body's weakness or the 
spirit's sinfulness, • and we are satisfied, for we 
awake in His likeness. 

How those whom we have mourned for with 
exceeding sorrow will welcome us to those shores, 
if through mercy we are favored to reach them. 
Look upon Him whom we have pierced; His 
countenance is radiant with ineffable love as He 
says, ^ Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit 
the kingdom prepared for you, from the founda- 



JEt.25.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 25 

tion of tlie world' — the city * whose walls are sal- 
vation, and whose gates are praise.' God Him- 
self shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. 
Words fail me, as I would express the com- 
munion of spirit throughout all eternity, in the 
blessed employment of praising our God for- 
ever. I could almost say the veil was lifted, 
that the glory, which eye hath not seen, was 
made manifest to my spiritual vision. It seems 
scarcely allowable to utter these unspeakable 
things, but these views have very unexpectedly 
impressed my mind. Would that they might be 
oftener present with me — earth would not then 
look so enticing. 

May we give ourselves up into our Father's 
hands, for life or death, for joy or sorrow, secure 
that all will he well 

On the last night of the year 1845 the 
following entry occurs: — ■ 

*' 12 mo., 31st. So it will soon be over — a year 
which has decided my future life. I began it 

with anticipations of happiness ; they have been 

3 



26 MEMOIKOF [^t. 25. 

realized, for I never before was so liappj, thougli 
now the future assumes no definite form. But 
I am almost sorrowful, even heavy-liearted now, 
as I feel tlie Vv^eiglit of the step I am about to 
take. May my love become more and more 
spiritual, and divested of selfishness ; may my 
faith be strengthened, that I may go on quietly 
and calmly in the way in which I believe I am 
called upon to walk, not repining or feeling dis- 
appointment if I should find some thorns among 
the flowers. I must look to Him who is ^ strength 
in weakness,' to be vdth me now, and desire to 
resign myself and all I have, unreservedly, into 
His holy keeping. 

On the 8 til of 1st month, 1846, she vras 
married to Francis T. King, of Baltimore^ 
and removed to reside in that city. A 
change of residence brought with it no 
change in her desires for holiness ; but, in 
the enjoyment of her many blessings, her 
heart continually turned to her Heavenly 
Father, and sought to follow Him unre- 



iEt. 25.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 27 

servedly. In reference to her marriage, 
she says — 

As for me and my house, we will serve the 
Lord, and serve Him too in the way of His 
requirings, as far as strength is given us to 
do so. 

Oh, Father, satisfy, if it please Thee, the de- 
sires which we believe Thou hast created in our 
souls for more holiness and greater usefulness, 
and grant, if consistent with Thy holy will, that 
we may go on together in the path of humility 
and self-denial. 

1 mo., 22d, 1846. All must be in subjection 
to the Father of spirits, and now I renewedly de- 
sire to take such portions from His hand as He 
may see meet to bestow, in thankfulness for 
what is given and for what is withheld. Oh to 
be maade meet to be a partaker with the heavenly 
host — to be fitted for usefulness while detained 
on earth. I long to be dedicated, body, soul and 
spirit, to the service of the Eedeemer, while I 
feel that the flesh shrinks from sacrifice and self- 
denial. 



28 MEMOIR OF [.Et. 25. 

The following are extracts from letters 
written at this time to a young friend in 
whom she was warmly interested, who 
was struggling with the doubts and fears 
incident to the early stages of a Christian's 
course : — 

Baltimore, 1 mo., 1846. 

^ ^ ^ Now, my dear, I must speak of 
some parts of thy letter, which touch me very 
much, though I scarcely know what to say, for 
human counsel, and the tenderest human sym- 
pathy, will not avail in the work which lies be- 
tween us and our Maker. But He is a Grod niglx 
at hand, and His love and care are greater than 
any other. He will direct thy steps if thou look 
to Him for guidance. 

Do not be discouraged ; look up to Him 
with trust and love, for He commands this ; but 
remember, that of old the sacrifices were made 
by fire unto the Lord, and many pleasant things 
must be given up now. '' Whosoever he be of 
you that forsaketh not all that he hath, can not 
be my disciple." Never let any thing, however 



^t. 25.] ELIZABETH T.KING. 29 

insignificant, stand in the way of thy peace, and 
then thou wilt experience that in His presence 
alone is fallness of joy. 

The way may at times seem dark, but light 
will arise, if thou trust in the Lord, and wait 
patiently for Him. That light may sometimes 
show hard things to be required, but do not 
be distressed if thy heart should rebel; bring 
thy unwillingness and disobedience to Him, in 
the faith that He will give thee power to over- 
come, for He can not fail. " Greater is He that is 
in you, than he that is in the world," so keep 
close to Him, and the victory will be won. But 
do not, I beseech thee, neglect any thing that is 
required, for disobedience brings darkness ; and 
do not reason or delay, but simply follow the 
leadings of the Holy Spirit, and He will guide 
thee into all peace. 

Baltimore, 1 mo., 29th, 1846. 

I long for thee, my dear, and feel painfully 

desirous that strength may be given to resist the 

temptations surrounding thee, that thou may not 

let go thy hold at all. We are seeking " a better 

country, that is an heavenly," and there is more 

3* 



80 MEMOIROF [Mt 25. 

true satisfaction in suffering for Christ than in 
any earthly enjoyment. 

Baltimore, 2 mo., 1st, 1846. 

Hold fast the profession of your faith, with- 
out wavering, for He is faithful that promised. 
Never be discouraged ; though we fall, we shall 
rise again, if we look to Him who will not fail 
to hear and help. 

I long that every thing may work together 
for thy good — ^pleasure and pain, care and disap- 
pointment, if such come — but do not think it 
must be all gloom. While I would not have 
one burden lightened, which an All- wise Dis- 
poser of events lays upon us, or one cross re- 
moved, which He imposes, we must remember 
we do not serve a hard Master, but a merciful 
Father. 

Baltimore, 4 mo., 3d, 1846. 

Try to keep humble and quiet. Eemember 
it is not in the whirlwind, or the fire, that the 
Lord speaks to His children, but in the still 
small voice. It is the enemy that disturbs the 
soul ; but as in reverent stillness we endeavor to 
bow before the Lord, He will teach us of His 



^t 25.] ELIZABETH T. KIXG. 31 

ways, and give ns strengtli to walk in His paths. 
As we continually strive to look to Him, He will 
not forsake ns, and the work, of whicli He is the 
Author, He will also finish. In the early part 
of our religious experience many fears arise lest 
sacrifices may be called for, which we think we 
can not make, but we must not look too much 
at these; just give ourselves up, trusting that 
strength will be given for whatever is required, 
and the way will be made clear when the time 
arrives; ^'Why are ye fearful, oh ye of little 
faith?" 

We know we love those who are dear to us ; 
we know we would not let them suffer unneces- 
sarily^ and that we would never let them stray, 
nor allow any harm to come nigh them. When 
we feel how strong this is in our finite natures, 
let us remember that ^'God is love," and that 
withal, He is All- wise and Almighty. *' Enter 
not into the hurryings of the enemy, though 
they fill the soul," but look up with a trust, that 
though all is dark now, light will yet be given. 
This faith is more acceptable than any thing 
else ; without it it is impossible to please Him. 



82 MEMOIEOF [^t. 26. 

Baltimore, 6th mo., 1847. 
A mad dog was killed yesterday just before 
our door, whicli rather alarmed me, as we were, 
unconsciously, near such great danger. All hu- 
man prudence and foresight are unavailing to 
preserve us ; we must take all proper precau- 
tions, and leave the result *^to Him who doeth 
all things well." What a comfort to believe we 
are under His fatherly care ; none can pluck us 
out of His handj and whatever the dispensation 
allotted us. He sees and knows it all, and can 
preserve and comfort, through all He permits to 
befall us. I have been thinking much lately of 
the text, " Let patience have its perfect work." 
Life is not intended merely for enjoyment; it is 
a state of trial and discipline, and I have desired 
very much to resign every wish, hope, and ex- 
pectation, every tiling^ into the hands of our hea- 
venly Father, willing to receive daily the portion 
which He allows, though it may be, and often is, 
the cup of suffering. But He never lays more 
upon His children than He gives ability to bear, 
so let us look up to Him with filial confidence, 
and in His own time He will give "beauty for 



iEt.27J ELIZABETH T. KING. 33 

ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the gar- 
ment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." If we 
foilow the apostle's injunction, **In every thing 
give thanks/' we shall not be desponding ; and 
if it be the will of our heavenly Father that we 
should glorify Him in the fires, may He give us 
strength to say " Thy will be done." When the 
furnace was heated seven times hotter than it 
Was wont to be, there was a form like the Son 
of God with the three children there. 

She writes thus in her journal : — 

10 mo., 8 th, 1847. I had a precious feeling 
of comfort this morning in the thought, that it 
is^ no matter how despised we may be, if we are 
permitted to find acceptance in the Beloved. It 
may be that pride and self love mingle with our 
desires for usefulness, even in the Church. If 
He see meet to refuse the qualification, He may 
give it to others. "The meek will He guide 
in judgment, and the meek will He teach his 



way. 



The willinCTess to be nothing, if that be His 



cJ 



will, is sweet, and I desire to be very thankful 



84 MEMOIROF [Mt21. 

for this little ray of comfort, vouclisafed after a 
time of deep humiliation. I have the deepest 
cause for thankfulness in my abundant bless- 
ings ; my cup runneth over. May I see clearly 
what my duty is, and be favored with strength 
to do it, not consulting my own ease or plea- 
sure. 

Ill a letter to a dear friend she thus con- 
tinues this subject: — 

Baltimore, 11 mo., ifth, 184*7. 

This stripped, weak state is very trying to 
that part which would fain seek the honor which 
Cometh Irom man. I have been well-nigh dis- 
mayed, sometimes entirely so, but the heights 
have a greater tendency to separate us from the 
love of God than the depths. When the cross 
of Christ is the only refuge, with what strength 
of despair the soul clings to it. 

Ah, my dear, this is. a pilgrimage — a war- 
fare — no stopping for permanent rest until the 
journey is over — no putting off the armor, or 
laying down the weapons, until the victory is 
won. I have excused myself in various ways 



jat. 2Y.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 35 

from labor. I said I was weak, that I had other 
cares, that I was afraid of a forward spirit ; but 
I now see that it is in a great measure the with- 
holding more than was meet that has tended to 
my deep poverty, and that if simple obedience 
had been yielded to gentle intimations, I should 
have had more peace. 

Time is passing away very rapidly with us 
both ; we ought before very long to stand as 
soldiers in the fight. Are we making the prog- 
ress which w^ill qualify us for this? Are we 
casting aside creaturely activity, the love of the 
world, and the fear of it, and deepening in the 
root ? Indeed, this is a very serious matter for 
us to think of, now that we are mothers, and 
must seek for strength to guide and restrain 
those who are dearer to us than life. If we could 
but dwell under a constant concern for the right 
advancement of our dear children, I believe it 
would be very effectual. May the Lord take our 
little ones into His flock ! 

3 mo., 4th, 1848. I have had not a little quiet 
comfort this morning ; but I have been exceed- 



36 . MEMOIR OF [JEt. 2^. 

ingly tried and exercised in the desire, that while 
I am faithful to the law and the testimony, I 
may in no wise depart from a loving and chari- 
table spirit. I see much that I think is wrong; 
may I be favored to preserve the right medium 
between too much liberality and bigotry. Could 
I but be preserved in a loving, humble spirit, 
how happy I might always be. There is the 
command, *^ Judge not:" let me ever bear this 
in mind. 

As a member of Friends' Prison Associa- 
tion, she frequently spent the afternoon of 
First day at the Maryland Penitentiary, 
for the purpose of teaching the women 
confined there. In reference to these vis- 
its, she says in her journal : — 

I wish I could relievo my mind of the bur- 
dens that oppress it. I long to speak to the 
women, but have not courage. I have almost 
come to the conclusion that utterance never will 
be given. 

It will be seen by the next extract that 



^t. 28.] ELIZABETH T. KIITG. 37 

she was favored with strength to perform 
what seemed required at her hands. 

3 mo., 28th. Last Fnst day I went out to 
the Penitentiary in much heaviness ; but thoagh 
something seemed to present itself before me, I 
felt there was so much handed forth, I might be 

excused. However, after had finished, 

she turned to me and asked if I had any thing 
to say, when in great weakness, and in a stam- 
mering manner, I said a few words on the neces- 
sity of prayer. Afterwards I had great openness 
and a degree of success with my class, and in re- 
turning, and for the rest of the evening, my peace 
flowed as a river; yet there was nothing what- 
ever for the flesh to glory in. 

12 mo., 13th, 1848. I felt this morning after 
the reading as though I would like to express a 
desire that we might live nearer our heavenly 
Father ; but I shrunk, because I feared I might 
do wrong during the day, and thus bring re- 
proach upon His cause. This was faithless, I 
know, but I am so weak. Oh, my Father, look 
down with pity ; and if Thou hast any service 

4 



38 M E M O I R O F [^t. 28. 

for me to porform, keep me near Thee in hu- 
mility, and let none of my actions bring reproach 
upon Thy cause, or blood upon my own head. 

In a letter to an aunt she writes :— 

Baltimore, 12 mo., 20th, 1848. 

My journeying has been mostly in the wil- 
derness, since we met ; but this matters little if 
we can feel any evidence that the journey has 
been onward. The fear that it has not, has been 
cause of the greatest sorrow and discouragement, 
yet there has been some arising of the well-spring 
of life. May we be favored to journey forward, 
keeping very near to our Master, and willing to 
follow Him whithersoever He leadeth. 

I thought I felt a freedom to speak in this 
Yv^ay to thee, my dear, to v/hom I feel bound, not 
only by the ties of natural affection, but by a 
deeper and stronger tie of spiritual sympathy, 
in which I have felt to crave for thee, as for my 
own soul, greater advancement and more heart- 
felt devotion, and such a close keeping to the 
light, even here amid trials and temptations, that 
so we may be " always with the Lord." Since we 



^t. 28.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 39 

may truly say our cup runneth over, may we 
strive to prove our thankfulness by our obedi- 
ence. Oh, how earnestly do I crave tliis, having 
proved so fully that the smile of our heavenly 
Father lights even the darkest path, and without 
it even the brioiitest is ^loomv. 

That one so sensitive as the subject of 
this Memoir, who habitually tested herself 
by the highest standard, should often feel 
deeply her own shortcomings, and that the 
entries in her journal, or her confidential 
letters, should at such times give evidence 
of it, will not surprise those who knev/ her. 
But it would be doing injustice to her char- 
acter, and especially to her Christian course, 
did we suppose that these struggles after 
the '4ife hid with Christ in God" unfitted 
her for the cheerful performance of social 
duties, or lessened her enjoyment of the 
blessings by which she was surrounded. 
She was in truth the light of her house- 
hold, and found a constant source of pure 



40 MEMOIR OF [^t. 28. 

pleasure to herself in the duties of a wife 
and mother. She entered with the fullest 
sympathy into the innocent enjoyments of 
her family, drawing on her own resources 
for their encouragement and instruction ; 
or aiding them in the appreciation of the 
beauties of Nature. It was beautiful to re- 
mark how all her experience of the love 
and mercy of her heavenly Father did but 
deepen her love, first for the little family 
group, and then in ever expanding circles 
for all the objects of His tender regard. 
Nor was it less instructive to learn from 
her example, that while true piety hum- 
bles us under a keener sense of our defi- 
ciencies, it teaches us to use all the facul- 
ties with which He has endowed us in the 
service of our Lord; and that such per- 
formance of duty is rewarded by an in- 
crease of ability, as well as by the evidence 
of His gracious approval. 



^t. 29.] 



ELIZABETH T. KING. 41 



The following letter was addressed to 
and on the occasion of the 



death of their two only children : — 

Baltimore. 9 mo., 17th, 1849. 

Although you may be at first surprised at 
receiving a letter from me, I do not think you 
will consider it an intrusion, since it is prompted 
by very deep and heartfelt sympathy with you 
in the recent affliction which you have exper- 
ienced. I feel it more sensibly as my own chil- 
dren Avere very nearly of the same age with your 
little darlings, and I naturally felt a stronger 
interest in them. Bat I have very earnestly 
desired, that although this stroke may at first 
appear overwhelming, you may be enabled to 
trace in it the hand of a gracious Father who has 
taken your little ones from the evil to come, to 
be for ever at rest in His bosom. 

In looking on my own children, and think- 
ing of the trials, the sorrows, and, above all, the 
temptations of this world, I have often felt that 
I could not ask life for them — only that when 
He saw meet, whether it was sooner or later, He 

would take them to Himself. 

4v 



42 M E M O I R O F [^t. 29. 

Id deed, my dear friends, there is abiding con- 
solation in the thought that whatever storms may 
now come, they can not reach these precious ones, 
who are now mingling vath the angelic throng in 
that city where none can say ^' I am sick.'' 

Do you think that I am in any degree in- 
sensible to the suffering you must experience? 
I know how your hearts will yearn for the sweet 
voices of j^our children, and how lonely your 
home will seem ; but I earnestly desire that the 
Father of mercies and God of all consolation 
may be near you, pouring the oil and the wine 
into 3^ our stricken hearts. Eemember, '' affliction 
Cometh not forth from the dust, neither doth 
trouble spring from the ground ;" all our chasten- 
ings are from the hand of a Father who loves 
His children better than we love ours, and doth 
not willingly afflict them. May you feel this a 
renewed call to be more dedicated to His ser- 
vice; and now, that your treasures are in heaven, 
may your hearts be there more exclusivelj", and 
the time may yet come that you will say with 
thankful hearts *'It is good for me that I have 
been afflicted.'' 



JEt29.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 43 

While I write I feel that words are inade- 
quate either to express my own feelings or to 
convey any comfort to your hearts ; and I again 
commend you, and particularly thee, my dear 

, as I know how keen the anguish of a 

mother must be, to Him who is the Comforter, 
the Helper, and the Stay of all who look to Him 
for consolation. May He give you resignation 
to His will, that you may be enabled to say, '^ It 
is the Lord, let Him do v/hat seemeth to Him 
good." 

To one of lier sisters : — 

Baltbioue, 12 mo., 1849. 

We were speaking of the different views in 
regard to dress. I think we must learn not to 
put entire confidence in any one's judgment in 
regard to it. If we keep low and humble, with 
a single eye, we shall be directed, in little as well 
as great things ; but if any Friend were troubled 
with any thing I wore, I should, if I felt at lib- 
erty, alter it. We may draw humiliating lessons 
from the condescending love and goodness of 
our heavenly Father, who certainly does give 



44: MEMOIR OF [^t. 29. 

precious spiritual gifts to His unworthy crea- 
tures, who must appear beyond measure frail in 
His sight. 

Some among us may indulge too much in 
dress; that may be their infirmity. Others in- 
dulge too much in making remarks upon it — 
that may be their weakness ; but both may, re- 
deemed and purified from all these besetments, 
join together in the most perfect love and har- 
mony, in singing the song of Moses and of the 
Lamb. It seems to me that the only way to go 
through the world is just loving, and in the 
deepest humihty, conscious of our own weakness, 
making allowances for everybody. 

Her married life had hitherto been un- 
clouded ; but in the summer of this year, 
1850, she was called to resign a lovely in- 
fant to the arms of her Saviour. While 
keenly feeling the blow, she clung with 
loving submission to the Hand that dealt it, 
and, trusting in her God for strength, was 
enabled to say, '' It is well with the child." 



^L. 30.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 45 

Iq a letter to a relative she thus alludes 
to her loss : — 

Baltimore, 9 mo., 1850. 
Since I have had a child in heaven, it has 
seemed to me I was nearer to the glorified spirits. 
I can not tell what an eflfect this bereavement 
has had upon me. There are times when my 
heart yearns so for my dear little babe, that it 
seems as if I could scarcely endure it ; but for 
the most part I feel the deepest and purest thank- 
fulness that she is at rest ; that whatever I may 
have to struggle with, nothing can reach her. 
Sometimes I sink beneath it, but not often now, 
and I hope, that both through the joy and the 
sorrow, she may be the means of bringing me 
nearer to a state in which I may be fitted to re- 
join her. It seems as if I almost forgot earth, 
wdth all its beauty and all its blessings, in think- 
ing of those who have entered within the pearl 
gateSj into that city where none shall say, *^ I am 
sick," where God Himself shall wipe away all 
tears from their eyes. With this prospect be- 
fore us, surely we shall always be found " rejoic- 
ing in hope, patient in tribulation ;" and if at 



46 MEMOm OF [^t. 30. 

times a feeling of unworthiness so possesses our 
hearts, that we can not think an entrance into thafc 
kingdom can be permitted us; let us remember 
in faith, that it is not by works, but ^' according 
to His mercy He saveth us." Sarely, if the Lord 
were pleased to destroy us, He would not have 
showed us the things we have heretofore been 
taught." 

A family resided in an alley in the rear 
of her residence, which had become the 
terror of the neighborhood from the vio- 
lent and imperious temper of the mother, 
and the abandoned lives of her sons, two 
of whom w^ere about being tried for arson 
and murder. 

The mind of Elizabeth T. King was 
drawn towards them, and, as might be 
expected, from the natural delicacy and 
timidity of her feelings, she shrank from 
the prospect of making them a visit. 
While hesitating under the concern, she 
stepped into a crowded omnibus in the 



^t. 30.] ELIZABETH T. KIJSTG. 47 

lower part of the city, and as one after 
another of the passengers left it, she un- 
expectedly found herself riding alone with 
this woman. She felt no openness to re- 
lieve her mind then, but had a confirma- 
tion of her first impressions of duty, to 
visit her in her own house. 

On parting from her, however, she af- 
fectionately commended her to a Saviour's 
love, to which the woman made no reply, 
but looked at her with wild surprise as 
though it were a new message. 

The visit was paid next day, and the 
woman's respectful and interested manner 
showed that the gentle loving spirit of our 
friend had won upon her heart. The oppor- 
tunity was an open and relieving one, and 
we trust that He who had sent the message 
had prepared the heart to receive it. 

The woma.n was taken ill sometime af- 
terwards, and lingered for six months ; 



48 MEMOIR OF [^t. 30. 

but in this time she was mercifully fav- 
ored to experience the forgiveness of her 
sins. A new heart was given her, and 
she died in the Christian's hope and trust. 
12 mo. 8th, 1850. — The recurrence of 
the birth-day of her oldest daughter : — • 

I have been feeling very seriously on this 
occasion our great responsibility and the con- 
stant need of watching, not only over the chil- 
dren, but also over ourselves, that no unfaith- 
fulness in any way should so dim our spiritual 
sight, or weaken our strength, as that in the 
time of future need we should be unable to see 
or to follow the course which would be most for 
their good. There is a great deal in this, faith- 
fully to do the present duty, little or great, that 
we may have light and strength for the rest; 
and oh, how important does this seem, when we 
have to guide and influence others who are 
dearer than ourselves ! 

To a young friend on the eve of mar- 
riage : — 



^t 30.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 49 

Baltimore, 12mo., 1850. 

I know from experience that thy thoughts 
must often be very serious in looking forward to 
such an important event as marriage. Even un- 
der the happiest circumstances, and where the 
most perfect confidence exists, with reason, on 
both sides, still there are many moments when 
the heart, feeling its own weakness, bows in 
deep humility before the Source of Strength, 
asking for light to see, and ability to perform, 
all the duties which belong to the new and im- 
portant station. I look to thee, knowing the in- 
fluence thou wilt possess over thy husband, in 
the earnest hope that thou wilt use that influence 
for his good ; that so you may go on together, 
earning and receiving the blessing which mak- 
eth truly rich, and unto which no sorrow is 
added. 

Far be it from me to prescribe any particu- 
lar course of conduct. I am only desirous that 
you may obey all the intimations of duty which 
are made manifest in the secrets of your own 
hearts, however little or however great they 
may be ; and my only reason for desiring this 

5 



50 MEMOIR OF [^t. 30. 

is, that the peace of God whicli passeth all un- 
derstanding may be added to the other blessings 
which in the richness of His mercy He is shower- 
ing upon you, for, without this crown, the others 
lose their sweetest enjoyments. I speak that I 
do know, when I assure you, that the truest, the 
deepest, the most devoted affection given and 
received, will fail to satisfy the whole thirst of 
the soul, unless this is also added. 

I believe you are both attached to the prin- 
ciples of our religious Society, although you may 
not be fully prepared to unite with, or at least 
to practice upon some of its peculiar views. May 
I say, that while I believe I feel the most un- 
limited charity towards all religious denomi- 
nations, and heartily rejoice in the full convic- 
tion that many from them all will join the ^^ in- 
numerable company," in which I trust we also 
may some day be found ; I have a decided be« 
lief that our own views, in all their strictness 
and purity, are the most conducive to the high^ 
est spiritual attainments, to the truest spiritual 
comfort and peace. 



iEt. 30.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 51 

To one of her sisters : — 

Baltimore, 4 mo., 1851. 

I have been out riding to-daj^ and the 
beauty of the opening spring really exhilarated 
my spirits. The buds are unfolding, the wil- 
lows are quite green, the grass is bright, and 
there are even some simple flowers among it. 
I thought how marvelous must be the loving- 
kindness of Him who could lavish such beauty 
around us. 

If only our necessary wants had been pro- 
vided for, it would have been enough to excite 
our gratitude ; but think of the means provided 
for our enjoyment also. 

In the summer of 1851 she was again 
called upon to part with an infant daugh- 
ter. This bereavement was keenly felt; 
but with quiet submission she could say, 
" It is the Lord ; let Him do as it seemeth 
Him good." 

She thus speaks of this trial to a very 
dear friend: — 



52 - MEMOmOF [^t. 30. 

Baltimore, 6 mo., 20th, 1851. 

^ ^ ^ I must very briefly give thee an 
account of our situation , knowing that thy ready 
feeling and sympathy will fill up the outline. 
Words can scarcely describe my deep happiness, 
when lovely, perfect and apparently healthy, my 
darling babe was brought to me; but our Fa- 
ther saw meet verj^ soon to destroy these hopes, 
which had almost become certainty, and, after a 
day and night of agonizing suspense, He took 
our darling to Himself. 

I, too, have been brought very low, even to 
the brink of the grave ; but He has raised me up, 
and very earnestly do I desire that this renewed 
chastisement may be the means of weaning us 
more from the world, and causing us to be loholly 
devoted to His service. 

Now, my beloved friend, I can not dwell 
longer upon this, neither is it needful. Thou 
wilt know wdiat the suffering, the sorrow, the 
awfulness of the near prospect of eternity must 
have been. Thou wilt know what we must have 
felt in our human weakness, and thou wilt know, 
too, what we desire, and I humbly trust, are, at 



^t.31.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 53 

times, favored to feel, not only resignation, but 
acquiescence and thankfulness, in the undoubted 
belief that He doeth all things well. 

Mayst thou be permitted to intercede for me, 
that all His purposes concerning me may be 
fulfilled, that in no wise may I fall short of His 
requirings. 

To a friend who had spoken rather com- 
plainingly of the ingratitude to be found 
in the w^orld, she writes : — 

Baltimore, 12 mo., 1851. 

Over sensitiveness is only a pretty name for 
self-love and unsubdued pride, and we must 
learn to give, hoping for nothing again ; to be 
just as kind, just as thoughtfal of the comfort 
of others as if we had a debt of gratitude to pay 
them. 

I believe that death must pass over all our 
natural feelings, even those which seem most 
pure and lovely, and, as we progress in the new 
life, that charity which ^^beareth," ^^hopeth," 
and " endureth all things," which '^ never faileth," 
will take the place of our easily wounded and 

5* 



54 MEMOIR OF [^t. 31. 

discouraged earthly affections, and we shall more 
and more "dwell in love." 

Ah how beautiful such a state looks ; shall I 
ever reach it ? But as I ask the question, the 
words of the Apostle spring up in my mind, 
" I thank God who give thus the victory, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord.'- So we are bound to be- 
lieve, that by watching and striving, through 
faith and obedience, our sincere, earnest prayers 
will be answered, and the Lord will, according 
to His promise, perfect that which concerneth 
us. 

I dwell mostly in the valley of humiliation ; 
and, though it is often bitter and painful^ yet at 
times I am permitted to feel that the dews fall 
gently, there, and that it is a sweet abiding place. 

My great fear is of bringing reproach upon 
the cause, of being a stumbling-block in the 
way of others, and my petition is almost con- 
stant, '^Let not them that love Thy name be 
confounded because of me." 

Baltimore, 3 mo., 24th, 1852. 
Let us try to get ourselves into the right 

spirit^ one of quiet seeking to do the will of our 



^t. 31.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 55 

heavenly Father, neither of restless activity, nor 
selfish shrinking from exertion, and I have no 
doubt we shall be daily and hourly directed 
where to go and what to do. 

Very often our infirmities will cause us to 
make humiliating mistakes, which will also work 
together for our good, in rooting out pride and 
selfishness. I do not mean that we should re- 
quire special direction about little matters. But 
when 'Hhe eye is single," the whole body will be 
full of light, and we shall realize the truth of the 
promise, '*I will guide thee by mine eye." 

From her journal : — ■ 

5 mo., 17th. I am and have been much ex- 
ercised to know how I can do good to others, 
there is so much that requires doing. Indolence 
and a love of pleasing interfere sadly with our 
usefulness. May I be always ready to hear the 
call, and obey it. 

I am also deeply exercised' about my call 
to declare to others the unsearchable riches of 
Christ. Permit me, oh merciful Lord, to commit 



56 MEMOIR OF [^t. 32. 

this to Thee ! Thou knowest I desire to be and 
to do all that Thou requirest ; Thou knowest 
my weakness and ignorance. I give it all up to 
Thy care, beseecliing that Thou wilt work in me 
to Avill and to do of Thine own good pleasure, 
since I humbly believe there is no willful with- 
holding. 

It will be no cause of surprise to those 
who have thus far followed her course to 
learn, that though for a season she had 
been in heaviness, through manifold temp- 
tations. He, who was preparing tier for 
further usefulness in His Church, was now 
pleased to break her bonds. 

Not only did He give ability to perform 
His will, but also an abundant reward for 
faithfulness. This change is best described 
by her own letters to a sister : — 

Baltimore, 8 mo., 20th, 1852. 
For many y^ars I have had an impression 
on my mind that I should sometime be called 
to even more public service in the Church than 



^t. 32.] ELIZABETH T. KIKG. 57 

I have known hitherto ; and about a year and a 
half ago it seemed to me that the time had come. 
Every reason that could be urged against it, every 
caution, every fear and doubt, have been pre- 
sented to my mind with great force. I was 
ready to say, and I did long say, Send by whom 
thou wilt send, but not by me. Still, thanks to 
the long-suflfering kindness of our merciful Fa- 
ther, seeing as I believe He did, tbat it was more 
through weakness than willfulness that I fell 
short of His requirings, He did not cease to 
strive until my will was subdued, my reason- 
ings quieted, and I was made willing to give up 
all in the obedience of faith. Last Fourth day 
morning I had such a vision of the love and mer- 
cy of the Father, and of the preciousness of the 
Saviour, that I felt as if my will, even myself, 
was entirely swallowed up; and I covenanted 
that, let the bidding be what it might, I would 
gladly do it. I did not expect the trial of obed- 
ience would be so soon ; for, when I went into 
meeting the next morning, I had no idea that 
any thing would be required of me. I had not, 
however, sat long, before a few words presented, 



58 MEMOIE OF [.Et. 32. 

with the conviction it would be right to express 
them. I only asked clearness, for the fear of 
man seemed taken away, and, with greater calm- 
ness than I had supposed possible, I did speak. 
Since that time I have been very much pros- 
trated ; but my mind has been kept in so much 
peace, that nothing has been difficult to bear. 
Yet it was a little thing to do for Him who had 
done so much for me ; neither could I have done 
it without His power: it was all His work, yet 
He rewards it so sweetly ! In my great debility 
I have been folded like a weary child in the 
arms of Infinite Love and Compassion. I have 
realized the promise, " As one whom bis mother 
comfoirteth, so will I comfort you." I can not, 
indeed I scarcely dare speak, of the blessed com- 
munion with the Father, with which I have been 
favored, of the trust that I was indeed a child ; 
only that I would say to thee, Oh magnify the 
Lord with me, and let us exalt His name toge- 
ther. I know very well that I can not remain 
long on the mount. I know that I must again 
take up my wilderness journey, and struggle 
with my infirmities of flesh and spirit, with out- 



JEt. 32.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 59 

ward trial and inward temptation ; but tlie prom- 
ise is, ^'My grace is sufficient for thee;" "my 
God shall supply all your need, according to 
His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."^ 

To an intimate friend : — 

Baltimore, 9 mo., 12th, 1852, 

I know, my dear , thou hast often 

travailed with and for me in the desire that all 
the Lord's requirings might be submitted to in 
faith ; therefore, I may ask thee to join with me 
in reverent thanksgiving to Him who has burst 
my bonds, and enabled me to make the sacrifice 
called for at my hands. To Him be the praise 
of His own work. But, my beloved friend, wilt 
thou join with me in humble and fervent peti- 
tions, that He will be pleased to keep me, poor, 
weak child as I am, from errors on every hand 
— the snares and temptations that beset us — 
from going before or lagging behind the Divine 
Leader ? 

I have much to feel of the marvelous loving 
kindness and tender mercy of our compassionate 

* It may be well to remark that the religious Society of 
Friends believe that a call and qualification for the ministry 
is not confined to one sex. 



60 MEMOIROF [^t. 32. 

Lord ; but I am more engaged to consider the 
importance, and crave strength for the perform- 
ance of present duties, than to feed on yester- 
day's manna, sweet and precious and nourishing 
as it. was. 

Baltimore, 9 mo., 23d, 1852. 

We serve One who is the best of Masters, 
and He calls for no service which He does not 
give strength to perform ; therefore, all we have 
to do, is to lie prostrate before Him, in the confid- 
ing trust that ** He knoweth our frame," and re- 
gardeth our low estate. 

Since we have only the duty of the present 
moment to think of and perform, without look- 
ing back with unavailing regret, or forward with 
unavailing anxiety ; since we are commanded to 
be careful for nothing, how quiet our niinds 
should always be. If we can but feel, that how- 
ever weak and unworthy we are, we can with 
humble sincerity adopt the language, "Whom 
have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none 
upon earth I desire besides Thee.' I am very 

jealous over myself, my dear , lest in 

seeking the precious sympathy of my friends, 



Mi. 32.] 



ELIZABETH T. KING. 61 



self^ our potent tormentor and deceiver, should 
be fed. There is also danger of saying too much 
on these subjects, without sufficiently feeling the 
life to arise and accompany the words. 

I think we have seen a superficial tendency 
so prevalent as to render great care necessary 
not to ^' darken counsel by words without knowl- 
edge." It is so necessary to keep little, low and 
simple, and this is difficult for the spirit of man, 
which would far rather spread out in the branch- 
es than deepen in the root. 

May He whom we truly desire to serve watch 

over and guard us in every way, and perfect that 

which concerneth us, according to His gracious 

promise. 

^- ^' i^ ^' i» r^ 

But oh, my dear, what are we, what am I, 
trembling, helpless, frail, sinking to the earth, 
unless constantly upheld ? 

This humiliating sense of Aveakness is not un- 
frequently a snare to me ; but I trust I am be- 
ginning to feel that it is not in our own strength 
we are called upon to act. We must go forth 
when bidden, relying that He who sends us to 

6 



62 MEMOIEOF [Mt 32. 

the battle will farnisli weapons, armor and abil- 
ity out of His abundance. 

Truly we may adopt the language, *^ How 
great is His mercy towards them that fear Him," 
blotting out our transgressions, sustaining our 
weakness, and proving Himself to be ^^ the Fa- 
ther of mercies, and God of all consolation." 

My heart seems to flow forth in this manner, 
though under a deep sense of my unworthiness 
of the least evidence of this abiding love ; and I 

feel drawn towards thee, dear , in a sweet 

quietness of spirit. 

In this I trust we may mingle together be- 
fore the Throne of Grace, while at the same time 
the incense of adoration and praise may rise not 
unacceptably from our hearts, as a fitting tribute 
from one at least who has had much forgiven. 

Again recurring to the journal, the fol- 
lowing entry occurs : — 

^ 9 mo., 30th, 1852. I want very much to be 
able to please our young people, that they may 
not be repelled by any dullness even — that I may 



^t.32] ELIZABETH T. KING. 63 

SO adorn the doctrine as to win them to better 
things. 

In this I trnst it is not merely their affection 
I seek. I believe there is a better motive, but it 
requires great care, lest self-seeking should not 
only come in, but gain the ascendancy. 

Surely it is very desirable, placed in such a 
difl&cult position as we are, to maintain cheerful- 
ness without levity, and to lead the conversation 
in mixed society to profitable things. 

It may not always be suitable to introduce 
serious or religious subjects, as, unless the latter 
is done in the right way and time, and under a 
little of the right authority, it disgusts instead 
of benefiting. 

The following tribute to her memory 
from one of her young friends, will show 
that this desire was not without fruit. 

** Together with a knowledge of books, and an 
appreciation of the charms of literature, she pos- 
sessed an intense love for the beautiful works of 
our heavenly Father, as displayed in nature. 

*' A mind so constituted could not fail to attract 



64 MEMOIR OF [^t. 32. 

the intelligent young people of her acquaintance, 
to whom she was easily accessible, and in whose 
welfare she took a lively interest. 

** But what was most remarkable, as well as 
most valuable, in her intercourse with her younger 
friends, was the deep religious feeling, the ever 
present sense of religious obligation, which har- 
monizad her own thoughts and feelings, and was 
impressed deeply upon all those who had the 
pleasure of her intimate acquaintance, both by 
the silent influence of example, and the gentle 
voice of affectionate precept." 

The sentiment which pervades the pre- 
ceding extract was one which greatly in- 
fluenced her in society. To remarkable 
quickness of parts, she united a simplicity 
of manner^ ivhicli was the nalural expres- 
sion of her artless and ingenuous character. 
A stranger would be impressed by the 
ease with which she placed herself by the 
side of the younger members of the social 
circle, and the gentle vivacity with which 



^t. 32.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 65 

she entered into the conversation, wholly 
unconscious of superiority, and of the 
sweet influence she was shedding around 
her. 

10 mo., 1st, 1852. Yesterday I felt called 
upon to speak a few words in meeting. The 
struggle was great, from the fear that it was in 
my own will and imagination. But I earnestly 
desired to be kept from reasoning, and appealing 
to the Searcher of Hearts to show me if I was 
mistaken, I repeated a few words. After meet- 
ing I was assailed by a temptation, of which I. 
Penington speaks, that I ought to know whether 
I had been right, in order to be able to distin- 
guish again. 

This is a subtle insinuation, but it was shown 
me that I was not to trouble myself about it, 
but say, " Get thee behind me, Satan, my good 
Master will teach me in His own time." 

After a little rest, my mind settled into quiet 
peace, and has so continued ; nevertheless I can 
truly say, I abhor myself, and feel the enemy 
without, and self within, are so continually tor- 

6^ 



G6 M E M O I R O F [Mt 32. 

menting, that though there is a state into which 
they can not enter, they still annoy and distress. 

To a young friend : — 

Baltimore, 12 mo., 21st, 1852. 

I have had quite a siege with infirmities of 
various kinds, since Yearly Meeting. My hands 
were disabled for about a month, being poisoned 
from gathering autumn leaves, but I find, as I 
have frequently before done, that it is not the 
circumstances in which we are placed, but the 
spirit in which we meet them, that constitutes 
our comfort; and that this may be undisturbed, if 
we seek for and cherish a feeling of quiet submis- 
sion, whatever may be the privations alloted us. 

It has very sorrowfully impressed my mind 
since I have been sick, how much strength and 
peace and comfort are lost from want of an un- 
reserved dedication. Many feel a strong desire 
to do right, and make some, it may be many, 
sacrifices, but something is still kept back. • The 
will is not 3' et entirely subdued, and they miss 
of the sweet and abundant peace with which He, 
who is a rich rewarder of all who diligently seek 



^t. 32.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 67 

Him, fills tlie heart of His humble and obedient 
children. I have longed to plead with those 
that were near, and with those that were far off, 
to delay no longer — to fill themselves no longer 
with the miserable hnsks of earthly gratifications, 
but to turn with all their heart to the tender 
Father, the merciful Saviour, whose love has so 
long pursued them, and who is still waiting to 
be gracious. Words fail to express the marvel 
oas loving-kindness and tender mercy of our God 
even to the poorest and most unworthy of His 
creatures ; how can any longer stand aloof? 

To a sister: — 

Baltbiore, 1 mo., 5th, 1853. 

I can fully sympathiz3 with thee in feeling, 
that mine enemies '^are lively and they are 
strong," but I have lately had great comfort in 
another expression of the Psalmist, ^^Mine ad- 
versaries are all before Thee." 

Not a temptation, not a besetment, not a 
weakness, but He sees, and He that is in us, is 
greater than he that is in the world. 

We appeal to Him in sincerity, that we do 
above all things desire to love and serve Him ; 



68 M E M O I R O F [^t. 32. 

let US have faith in His unutterable love and 
compassion, that He will in His own time, per- 
fect that which concerneth us* 

Let us commit ourselves to Him in perfect 
trust, that the sins which we unwillingly commit 
are regarded by Him with a pitying eye; that 
the fountain set open, is always ready for our 
cleansing, and that, being delivered from the 
bondage of corruption, we may rise to the glo- 
rious liberty of the children of God. 

We are not to wait until, by painful effort, we 
have tried to make ourselves fit, but we are to 
come now^ just as we are, just as the lepers, the 
sick, the blind, and helpless, came of old, and 
believe that His mercy is now extended, that 
His arm is now underneath for our support. I 
have somelimes such views of the matchless love 
and condescension of our heavenly Father, as 
are inexpressible. 

I so long that those who hold themselves aloof 
from His calls, and seek pleasure only in the 
world, might come and see how good the Lord 
is, that my tears are often ready to fall in lament- 
ing that they will persist in depriving themselves 



^t. 32.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 69 

not only of happiness in the world to come, but 
in this also. 



To a sister : — 

Baltimore, 2 mo., 13th, 1853, 
I went to see the other day ; she is suffer- 
ing keenly from her loss, but in submission. In 
the course of conversation, she said she had been 
made to feel very forcibly that to be any thing, 
we must be nothing. 

We can not be too strongly convinced of this, 
yet the lesson of nothingness is very difficult to 
learn. Even with good motives, vath a strong 
desire to promote the welfare of others, we may 
sadly err by working in our own strength. The 
authority must always be, ^' Have not / com- 
manded thee ?" 

As we are willing and obedient, the field of 
labor will open before us more widely, though 
it may not be just that in which we would pre- 
fer to work. 

To one of her sisters : — 



70 MEMOIR OF [^t. 32. 

Baltimore, 3 mo., 1853. 

I had a letter from a day or two since. 

It seemed to fall like dew on the mown grass, I 
felt so withered and dry^ the remembrance of 
his meek and quiet spirit^ which truly seems 
careful for nothing, was quite refreshing. 

It was after an act of required obedience that 
I have felt thus stripped and poor, an evidence 
that the dealings of our wise and gracious Master 
are mysterious ; while the clay is not to say to 
him that fash\oneth it: *^ What makest Thou?" 
No doubt if we are thoroughly purged, it must 
be by the spirit of judgment, and the spirit of 
burning, and so the work is accomplished, let 
Him use the means He seeth meet. 

But we must remember, that the sun is always 
shining, however dark the clouds may be, and 
the power of our God, and the mercy of our 
Saviour are the same, even though in our weak- 
ness we can not see them clearly. His blessed 
will be done in and by us ! 

Oh ! that He may in His mercy qualify us all 
in some degree to labor for the advancement of 
His cause, that through whatever self-denial or 



^t. 32.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 71 

suffering on our part, some poor wandering 
sheep may be brought into the fold of everlast- 
ing peace. 

To a sister : — ■ 

Baltimore, 5 mo., 11th, 1853. 

It is the entire giving up that is wanted, to 
bring us to the peace which would make up for 
every thing else, and which, from holding back, 
we may, indeed we do, fail in acquiring. I had 
to express something of this in meeting to-day. 
desiring that we may know the ^' God of peace to 
sanctify us wholl3\" 

My way is so wonderfully made in my great 
weakness, that it is marvelous to myself. " Did 
any ever trust in the Lord and were confounded V 
Oh, my dear^ I desire to speak in the deepest 
reverence and humility, but also with the deepest 
gratitude for the help I have experienced, for the 
extension of so much mercy to me so unworthy. 

I have been reading one of the children's 
books, "Father Brighthcfpes." It is a very pretty 
one. One paragra'ph at the close, seemed to me 
to express a very enviable condition. " I am 



72 MEMOIR OF [^t. 32. 

going home. Our Father has given me my work 
to do, and it is almost done. Oh, would I could 
tell you how joyfully I shall put off corruption 
for incorruption, and exchange mortality for im- 
mortality." I sometimes feel, when weary of the 
conflict and almost ready to faint by the way, 
what an unspeakable comfort it is to look for- 
ward to the time when, through the merits of 
the Eedeemer, we may be permitted to join the 
company of those who have come out of great 
tribulation. To enter that city whose inhabi- 
tants shall no more say, " I am sick ;" where 
"there shall be no more death, neither sorrow 
nor crying, neither shall there be any more 
pain;" but "the Lamb that is in the midst of the 
throne shall feed them, and lead them unto living 
fountains of waters, and God Himself shall wipe 
away all tears from their eyes." 

To return to her journal: 

5th mo., 16th, 1853. This morning it seems 
forcibly impressed upon* my mind, that we must 
keep ourselves in a state of readiness to hear 
and obey every call to service, which our Mas- 



uEt.32.] ELIZABETH T. KIKG. 73, 

ter may vouchsafe. So mTicTi time, so many op- 
portunities for usefulness, are lost, because we 
are busy here and there, and neglecting the one 
charge which is of the most importance. 

24th. A few words presented in meeting this 
morning, and remembering former experience, 
I thought it was safest to utter them. I found 
peace, great peace, afterwards ; mainly I thought 
because I was willing and strengthened to speak 
so as to be heard. But ah, how subtle and how 
powerful is the enemy ! As John Barclay says, 
'* The approbation, the regard, the sympathy of 
such as love what is good, have required from 
me all the watchfulness, all the earnest desires 
for preservation, that I have been blessed with." 
The unity and kindness of friends, with the 
sense of peace and relief, were used by him, in 
conjunction with the weakness of nature, and 
the strength of self-love, to endeavor to exalt 
me, and I have been so buffeted with these in- 
sinuations, that I have suffered greatly. 

The summer of this year was passed in 
New Bedford for the benefit of her health, 

7 



74 MEMOIR OF [^t. 33. 

From this place slie thus writes to her 
husband : 

New Bedford, 8 mo., 1853, 
With regard to my spiritual condition, I think 
I may humbly and thankfully say, that there 
seems to have been a little growth, in this, that 
I see my faults more clearly, which conduces to 
humihty, and charity also. Not but that I 
sometimes slide from this, but I trust that in 
general I h,ave more love, though my soul has 
been so often pained with a liberty which seems 
not of the truth, that I am afraid I let in a 
judging spirit. 

I had such an impression made on my mind 
the other evening, during, the children's reading, 
by this text, that I think I will tell thee. ^^ And 
he did not many mighty works there because of 
their unbelief." No doubt there would be much 
more done for us, if we would but follow the in- 
junction *' Be not afraid, only helievey 

May we be favored to go on ^^ from faith to 
faith " from "stren2:th to streno^th '■ until we ob- 
tain the stature of a perfect man in Christ Jesus. 



^1.33] ELIZABETH T. KING. 75 

But oh, tow deeply and painfully I feel, that 
there are so many, who for want of a single eye 
and a simple faith, are falling short of the requi- 
sitions, which would conduce to their own peace 
as well as usefulness. 

To the same : — 

New Bedford, 8 mo., 20th, 1853. 
This afternoon we went down to the funeral of 
Uncle A.'s child. It was altogether a comfort- 
ing time. After had spoken beautifully, 

in allusion to the little one thus early taken 
from the storms of life, I added a few words to 
this effect, that I had felt such a firm conviction 
that it was ont of the very abundance of the 
loving kindness and tender mercy of our heav- 
enly Father, that He chasteneth His children, 
that I desired that all of us, who had been privi- 
leged to partake of His chastisement — and who 
has not drunk of the cup of sorrow ? — might be 
thereby drawn in closer bonds of love to Him, 
that none of His gracious purposes therein might 
be frustrated, for He doth not afflict willingly, 
nor grieve the cbildren of men. The fear came 



76 MEMOIR OF [^t. 33. 

in like a flood after I had spoken, that perhaps 
I had only spoiled the effect of the previous 
communication, but as soon as we rose, this 
passed away, and a quiet feeling, as of resting 
my weary head on the Saviour's bosom, was 
granted. 

To the same : — < 

Kew Bedford, 8 mo. 2'7th, 1853. 
I think I missed my way in meeting this 
morning. Yery soon after we sat down, I was 
shown very clearly that a mistake was made by 
many, in understanding that the ofl&ce of the 
Eedeemer, in saving us from sin, was that He 
saved us from the consequences and punishment 
of sin, instead of si7i itself. It did not, at first, 
occur to me that this was for any one but myself, 
but it kept coming up before me, and just before 
meeting broke, it seemed that I ought to express 
it. This disturbed me a little, and I thought I 
would examine more closely what was on my 
mind, for there is so much danger in venturing 
upon doctrinal points, especially the offices of the 
Saviour, and before my mind was fairly settled. 



JEt. 33.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 77 

meeting broke. I think I skould have had a more 
comfortable day, if I had risked the expression, 
in a little more faith that the Master would, ac- 
cording to His promise, be with my mouth, and 
teach me what I should say ; but I hope to be 
forgiven, as the disobedience was not willful. 

I went to meeting feeling rather poorly, and 
so oppressed with a sense of my manifold in- 
firmities, that I could not believe it possible I 
should have any thing for others, but only hoped 
I might be able to gather a little good for my- 
self 

However, as we learn by what we suffer, I 
hope I shall be more prompt in future. As we 
came out of meeting, John E. Davis stopped me 
to say, that he had been thinking a great deal 
about the first sermon his grandfather preached, 
*' Disobedience makes a long wilderness journey, 
but faithfulness cuts it short." 

To the same : — • 

New Bedford, 9 mo. 3d, 1853. 
This morning, in meeting, the concern I had 
last First Day seemed unexpectedly to revive, 



78 ME MO IE OF [^t. 33. 

thougli I thought I should distrust it, if it did, 
and think it was merely my own work. How- 
ever, it seemed safest to express it — as nearly as 
I remember in this way : *' It appeared to me 
there was an error committed by many in dwell- 
ing too exclusively on the office of the Saviour 
in saving them from the consequences and pun- 
ishment of sin, rather than from sin itself — 
whereas He is not only our atoning sacrifice, 
our Mediator and Intercessor with the Father, 
but by the operation of the Holy Spirit in our 
hearts. He purifies them and makes them fit 
temples for Himself to dwell in. But He can 
not have fellowship with unrighteousness, there- 
fore He can not dwell in our hearts, although He 
may visit them by His love, unless they are 
made pure, 'even as He is pure.' I have desired, 
dear friends, that we may none of us stop short 
of entire conformity to the Divine will, that we 
may realize this blessed experience, that He 
may come in and make His abode with us." 

It was truly in weakness and in fear and in 
much trembling, that I uttered these few words, 
and it shook my bodily frame so that after meet- 



^t. 33.] ELIZABETH T. KIKG. 79 

ing, wliicli soon closed, I could scarcely stand, 
but my mind was covered with a degree of that 
sweet peace which is worth any sacrifice to ob- 
tain. Is it not marvelous how kindly I am 
dealt with ? 



New Tork, 9 mo. 14th, 1853. 

It is quite late, my dear husband, and I have 
no very satisfactory materials for writing, but I 
wanted so much to make thee a sharer in the 
sweet feelings of gratitude I have had to-day for 
our preservation every way, that I could not re- 
frain from a few words of communion with thee. 
I feel so satisfied with our situation, that it was 
best to go, and best now to return, and on look- 
ing back I can truly say that the assurance 
given the morning I left home, ** Behold the 
Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou 
goest" has been fully realized; I have had so 
much experience of His love, not only in His 
sensible presence, but also in the withdrawal of 
it — so that not only the fatness of the earth but 
the dew of heaven has been my portion — I say 
this in reverent thankfulness, and now I do 



80 MEMOIR OF [iEt. 33. 

earnestly crave that we may follow on to know 
tlie Lord yet more and more, and I believe the 
injunction to us is^ in the midst of our weakness 
and infirmities, '^ Trust ye in the Lord forever, 
for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." 
So I trust we may be favored to go on in the 
strength of the Lord God — ^for He can not fail us 
if we keep close to Him. Truly this evening 
my cup runneth over — and I ask, ^' What shall 
we render unto the Lord for all His benefits?" 
Oh, my dearest, what an unspeakable favor to 
have this feeling of peace after this visit^ instead 
of condemnation, for although I have nothing to 
speak of but infirmities, it is such a mercy to 
have been kept — ^to feel that even the sins I may 
have committed have gone beforehand to judg- 
ment, that they have not been willful, that they 
have not been persisted in, and humbly to trust 
that they are forgiven, washed away in the blood 
of the Lamb. 

The accident on the Sound steamer last week, 
made us a little thoughtful, but on lying down 
greatly fatigued, and -having gone through so 
much excitement that I feared I could not arrive 



^t. 33.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 81 

at any quiet of body or mind, these words 
seemed given as my portion, ^*I will both lay 
me down in peace and sleep, for Thou, Lord, 
only, makest me dwell in safety.'' I can not ex- 
press to thee, my dearest husband, my feelings 
of gratitude for this most unexpected boon of 
sweet peace. I have gone on my way in such 
weakaess and trembling, feeling my own noth- 
ingness so much, that now to be blessed in this 
manner, seems an unutterable favor. I hope I 
have not seemed to wish to display my treasures 
— they are not mine, but His who can, and who 
no doubt will, resume them, for we are not to be 
trusted long with such — ^but I want thee to unite 
with me in thanksgiving, and in earnest seeking 
to know and to do more entirely the will of Him, 
who has blessed us more abundantly than we can 
ask or think. 

^ A letter to one of her sisters : — 

1 Baltimore, 11 mo., 2'7th, 1853. 

I had a view to-day of the nature of the prayer 
of faith, which was very instructive to me. It 
was shown me that we do injustice to the charac- 



82 MEMOIR OF [^t. 33. 

ter of the Father of mercies, by the doubting 
manner in which we prefer our petition — that He 
is far more ready to give ns good gifts than we 
are to ask for them. He loved us before we 
loved Him, while we were yet in sin ; how much 
more will He love us when we are earnestly de- 
siring to forsake it, and turn unto Him with full 
purpose of heart. Since we can truly say that 
we desire neither outward comforts nor inward 
consolations, but only that we may perfect holi- 
ness in His fear, we are bound to believe we 
have the petitions we desire of Him, and to 
come to Him in faith, nothing doubting. 

On the opening of the new year she 
thus writes to a friend who was laboring 
under discouragements : 

Ealtdiore, 1 mo., 1st, 1854. 

I did not have an opportunity, my dear 
friend, of fully telling thee all I would like this 
evening, and think I will use this means, hoping 
that I shall not darken counsel by words without 
knowledge. 

In reverent humility, and with a deep con- 



^t. 33.] ELIZABETH T. KIKG. 83 

scioTisness of entire unworthiness of the least of 
the Lord's mercies, I may acknowledge that this 
has been a day to me of peculiar enjoyment, a feast 
of fat things, an experience of joy in believing, 
with which I am not often privileged, not being 
worthy to be trusted with such treasures. Yet 
with all this, there is a deep feeling of self-abased- 
ness and a sense of the necessity of pressing for- 
ward^ and of the baptisms which are needed for 
purification and refinement. But under this 
abounding feeling of the mercy and goodness of 
our heavenly Father, how dare I doubt that He 
who has, I humbly trust, begun a good work in ns, 
is able to carry it on to His own praise ? Dear 
friend, we must not limit the Holy One of Israel. 
He is able to keep that which we have committed 
unto Him — let us not therefore do injustice to 
His love or His power by our distrust. I have 
a very strong tendency to discouragement natu- 
rally, and for the most part can scarcely keep 
my head above the billows — but I have lately 
had such a view of the efficacy and the necessity 
oifaith^ that I have not dared to let go my hold 
■ — may I not hope that this was given in some 



84 MEMOIR OF [^t. 33. 

measure for. thy eucouragement also? I can not 
express to thee the power with which it was 
sealed upon my own mind. 

I know the state of things is very sorrowful 
among us — the suffering I endnre at times is 
little short of agony on that account — ^but let us 
have "long patience;'' surely, I often think, if/ 
am borne with, there is no cause for discourage- 
ment on account of any. But, my dear friend, 
let us, in this also, cast our care upon the Lord, 
patiently bearing whatever portion of sufferings 
He sees meet to call ns to fill up for His body's 
sake, which is the Church, but not giving way 
to unprofitable discouragements. Our own faith- 
fulness is all with which we have to do, and it 
may be that He may condescend to bless that to 
the advantage of others, though I feel it an at- 
tainment almost beyond my reach, if I may be 
kept from doing them harm. I hope in what I 
have^said I have not been presumptuous in arro- 
gating any thing to myself, for truly I abhor 
myself, and have nothing to glory in bnt my 
many and abounding infirmities. But I have 
had such a view to-day of the preciousness and 



^t.33.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 85 

all-sufficiency of the Saviour, that I have been 
glad to be nothing, and feel that both for myself 
and others I can ^'praise Him for all that is past, 
and trust Him for all that is to come." 

After a visit from Josiah Forster, John 
Candler, and Wm. Holmes, on their return 
from Tennessee, where the remains of their 
beloved partner in the work and service 
of the Lord, Wm. Forster, had been laid, 
she thus writes to a dear friend : — 

Baltimore, 3 mo., 1st 1854. 
Thou may imagine it was a treat to us to have 
the English Friends with us. Sorrowfully as all 
were bowed down under the feeling of the great 
loss they and the Church have sustained, still the 
abounding consolation was also present, first, that 
it was His will who doeth all things well, and 
then, that the beloved companion and venerated 
father in Israel, is at rest, where he will ^' ever be 
with the Lord." To me there is such triumphant 
joy, when such are called home, that the sound 
of weeping seems lost in the burst of angelic 
welcome. 

8 



86 MEMOIR OF [^t. 33. 

Now may He who called and qualified tbis 
faithful laborer, grant that more such may be 
sent forth into His harvest, that even a double 
j)ortion of the spirit of Elijah may rest upon 
Elisha, for truly our hearts almost sink within 
us at a view of the evils which appear to rage 
almost unchecked in the world. 

The prospect of a European war, and the 
movement towards the extension of slavery in 
this country, weigh down my spirit with such 
sorrow, that I sometimes feel as if I could scarcely 
eadure it. 

I am afraid I suffer more than is consistent 
with perfect acquiescence in the will of Him who 
sees the end from the beginning, and who can 
so control it as to make the wrath of man praise 
Him. But when I think of the misery, the de- 
vastation, the sin, the souls that will be hurried 
unprepared into eternity, the evil passions that 
will be fostered and strengthened, how can I feel 
any thing but the deepest sorrow ? 

In the spring of this year, in company 
with H. B., C. F., M. C. and her husband, 



^t.33.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 87 

husband, she visited some distant meetings 
in the mountainous district of Pennsyl- 
vania, in fulfilment of an appointment by 
the Yearly Meeting, and was absent about 
two weeks. This service was performed 
to the satisfaction of her friends and to her 
own peace. 

She thus alludes to it : 

* "^ " I had some service with the young 
in meeting, and also in private afterwards, and do 
not feel condemnation either for giving or with- 
holding, though I am humblingly conscious that 
imperfection clings to us, or rather to we, always. 

Oil reaching home, found all well, according 
to the promise which, I reverently believe, was 
given me the morn I left, and which supported 
me through the great fatigue and apparent dan- 
ger of our rough journey : " There shall no evil 
befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh 
thy dwelling." 

Oh, how tenderly condescending is our gracious 
Master to us in our infirmities, for not only was 
tlie promise given, but faith given to trust in it. 



88 MEMOIPv OF [^t. 33. 

While on a visit from home, she thus 
writes to her husband : 

~, 6 mo. 1854 

I had scarcely taken my seat in meeting this 
morningj before an exercise seemed to come 
upon me, mainly on behalf of the wanderers who 
were seeking rest and finding none, and as soon 
as the meeting was quiet, I ventured to suppli- 
cate for them, as well as for those who were 
striving to serve the Lord, that their feet might 
be kept from falling. 

I never felt the fear of man so taken away, as 
if love to their souls cast it out entirely ; and it 
was not so much in the cross to appear, as in the 
constraining power of the Spirit: " I was Aveary 
with forbearing, and I could not stay.'^ After- 
ward, spoke at some length from the text, 

" Come unto me all ye that labor,'' etc., and 

followed, turning the attention of these to the 
Light within, so that there seemed to be a re- 
markable unanimity of exercise. 

^ "^ * I have had great cause for thank- 
fulness since being here; every thing seems to 
have been ordered right. More than all, I feel 



iEt. 34] ELIZABETH T. KING. 89 

quiet, conscious of abounding weakness, yet feel- 
ino: as if He, who '^ took our infirmities and bare 
our sicknesses," condescended to look down in. 
pity on His feeble child. 

I want to be kept in humility but faithfulness, 
yet I am sometimes discouraged by thinking 
I am too much of a child in spiritual things, 
even to know what I ought to do. How^ever, I 
trust that patient waiting, and quiet hoping, will 
bring me out right at last. 

Take good care of thyself, and remember we 
concluded to have for the motto in our new 
establishment, and in all our actions and plans, 
henceforth, '' But one thing is needfuV^ 

In the summer of this year, 1854, she 
removed to a pleasant home, a few miles 
distant from the city, where, in the enjoy- 
ment of the varying charms of nature, she 
passed the remaining years of her life. 

It was her delight to ramble with her 
children, in the woods near the house, call- 
ing their attention to the beautiful spring 

flowers, the little brook with its sparkling 

8* 



90 MEMOIR OF [^t. 34. 

waters, the many-colored leaves of autumn, 
and the mosses of winter. All these she 
delighted to point out as tokens of the 
love and mercy of our heavenly Father, 
who has not only provided so many things 
for our need, but gives so many more for 
our enjoyment. The children were often 
summoned to accompany her to some 
small houses not far distant, occupied by 
poor colored families, to carry soup to a 
sick woman, or clothes to a little child, 
thus teaching them the pleasure of reliev- 
ing the necessities of others. On the 
afternoon of First day, the children of 
these families were invited to her house, 
and a company might be seen assembled 
round the table, listening with eager inter- 
est to the wonderful stories of the Bible, 
and learning lessons, which seemed strange 
perhaps to them, of the love and mercy of 
their Saviour. 

Her daughters always had apart to per- 



^t. 34.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 91 

form in the school, and it proved a pleasant 
hour to both teacher and pupils. 

She had the faculty of improving time to 
a remarkable degree, yet it was done so qui- 
etly and systematically that nothing seemed 
to be an effort to her. She often quoted 
an expression of a dear aged father in the 
church, upon whose sympathy and expe- 
rience she loved to lean, "I never was in 
a hurry." Truly a meek and quiet spirit, 
and a loving, cheerfal heart, were given to 
her, and all within her influence felt its 
charm. Having some leisure this year, 
she devoted a part of it to the study of 
German from a sense of religious duty, be- 
lieving that it would be of service to her 
in mingling with that class of the popula- 
tion. She accustomed herself to read the 
German Bible daily for several years, and 
often expressed her belief that, if her life 
were spared, she would be led to labor 
among that people. On one occasion, in 



92 MEMOIROF [.Et. 34. 

visiting tlie Almshouse witli a minister — 
who had religious service with the inmates 
— a poor German met them at the close, 
and with much feeling, gave her to under- 
stand that she did not comprehend what 
had been said. E. T. K. felt her heart 
warmed toward the woman; and, after 
a little silent waiting, text after text in 
German was given her, and she was able 
to relieve her own mind and comfort the 
poor woman. She said afterwards that 
this alone richly repaid her for the trouble 
of acquiring the language. 

Remembering the injunction, '' Occupy 
till I come," she was careful to embrace 
openings for usefulness, however small they 
might seem. Watchful over her own spirit, 
and constantly depending on the Strong 
for strength, few were more fully qualified 
to comfort others with the comfort where- 
with she herself had been comforted of 
God. Yet these acts were so quietly and 



^t. 34.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 93 

unostentatiously performed, as often to be 
known only to the recipient A note sent 
to one under an impression of duty, or a 
few words of counsel to another under 
temptation, not unfrequently made an im- 
pression which will long remain. 

While thus careful, as she says to a friend, 

'' to remember the injunction dear 

gave us, not to live too much to ourselves," 
she was very attentive to her domestic 
duties, and it was in the privacy of home 
that the beauty of her character was espe- 
cially manifested. 

The education and training of her chil- 
dren was, to her, a subject of great im- 
portance,., which she was unwilling to 
delegate to others. Their lessons were 
daily attended to, and while cultivating 
their minds, she was careful to embrace 
every opportunity for inculcating religious 
truths. Any manifestation of wrong feel- 
ing was gently and tenderly rebuked, as 



94 M E M O I E O F [^t. 34. 

a source of unhappiness to tliem as well as 
to herself, but more than all as a sin against 
their heavenly Father, to whom they were 
taught to look as their Protector, cognizant 
of every action. 

With a view of instructing, as well as 
interesting them, she wrote some little 
tracts, dravv^n from incidents in their daily 
lives, which were intended to enforce the 
lessons she desired to teach. They Avere 
originally prepared only for her ov/n chil- 
dren, but were afterward published. 

She had also commenced a Child's His- 
tory, in which she intended to present the 
history of various nations in a more moral 
point of view than is generally taken in 
such books. 

Her aspirations after faithful and entire 
dedication will be shown by the following 
lines, written by her about this time : 

I ask the rest tliat spirit knows, 

Whose will is w^holly bowed to Thine ; 



^t. 34 ] ELIZABETH T.KING. 95 

That quiet and serene repose 
That can its every wish resign. 

I want to labor faithfully 

Within Thy vineyard all my day, 
But guided only by Thine eye, 

Nor dare to choose my work or way. 

And yet whenever, in Thy love, 

Thou givest the command, " Be still," 

May I as joyfully prepare 
To suffer^ as to do Thy wiU. 

I ask not comfort, joy, or peace, 

Por self in these, oft makes her throne ; 

I only ask, Thou wilt not cease 
Until Thy v/ork be wholly done. 

I can not rest until my heart 

Is purged from every taint of sin, 
And, through the blood of sprinkling, mad© 

Fit for Thyself to enter in. 

And well I know Thy changeless love 

Will all Thy loving children cheer, 
Whenever, on their thorny way, 

Their spirits droop from doubt or fear. 

All this I trust to Thee alone, 

But leave me not, until there be 
On every action, word, and tone. 

The impress, Hohness to Thee. 

Extracts from a letter to an aunt : — 



96 MEMOIROF [ML 34. 

Baltimore, 8 mo., 1854. 

•K- 4^ * J have felt that the first inquiry 
every morning should be, *^ Lord, what wilt 
Thou have me to do?" and to that, the first at- 
tention, and prime of my strength, should be 
given, letting other things have their subordinate 
place, trusting that ability will be given for what 
is needful. 

Sometimes there seems to be an accumulation 
of necessary duties, but I believe it is the enemy 
who piles them up, and that the single eye would 
not see so many. 

A few days since, the questions seemed to 
come to me with much force and solemnity — 
What are we doing with our time, our talents, 
and our money ? Is every thing done to the 
glory of Grod, or to minister to our own j^ride 
and love of ease ? 

If not to His glory, what excuse have we ? 
Not of ignorance, surely, the written law without, 
and the Witness within, have taught us plainly. 

Not of want of ability, for that is promised, 
and will be given to all who seek it. 

We say we will throw ourselves upon the 



^t.34.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 97 

Mercy of God, but are we not abusing that 
mercy by continuing in those things against 
which His Spirit has a controversy ? 

I can not tell thee how these questions have 
impressed me. 

To one of her sisters : — 

Baltimore, 9 mo., 1854. 

If we are only favored to keep in the right 
way and the right spirit, nothing will befall us 
which will not conduce to our advancement ; and 
this comfort always remains, that the foundation 
standeth sure. 

It has seemed to me, that many difficulties 
arise, in the first place, from leaving the indi- 
vidual work, and if rightly improved they will 
drive us back to it ; while nothing will be per- 
mitted to harm us if we are *^ followers of that 
which is good." 

There is a rest which remaineth for the people 
of God, which nothing shall disturb — the way 
may be long and weary, but sooner or later the 
end will be attained. 

We may disquiet ourselves too much about 

9 



98 MEMOIR OF [^t.34. 

events we can not control, and the faults of 
others which we can not mend. Having done 
our duty, in humility and sincerity, there are 
many things which we must leave to Him who 
holdeth in His hand the hearts of the children 
of men, and can turn them as He will. 

10 mo., 1854. 

My mind has been very much impressed with 
the duties we owe our servants, in watching for 
their souls as they that must give an account. 
They are placed, by the providence of God, un- 
der our care, that we may do them good, though 
this is not always so much by direct instruction, 
as by the influence of our daily lives and conver- 
sation, and our prayers on their behalf. 

11 mo., 28th, 1854. 

I have been very much impressed with the 
injunction to show piety at home. It is poor 
religion — is it not? — which can not bear little 
trials, and keep in a meek and quiet spirit under 
petty provocations and discouragements ! And 
yet how many fail ! How I do ! 

12 mo., 1854. 

I quite agree with thee in thinking that some 



uEt 34.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 99 

of these outside things must be cut off. Let 
those take them whose place it is, let every stone 
have its right place in the temple, but let us wait 
patiently and humbly for the great Master-builder 
to put us in the one we are to occupy. No mat- 
ter if He seems to leave us comparatively useless 
for a long time, perhaps we want long chipping, 
and squaring, and polishing, before we are fit to 
be placed at all. 

Baltimore, 1 mo., 1855. 
I have suffered much from letting myself out 

into reading [naming some writings with which, 

in early life, she was much engrossed] which 

tends to rouse up the old inhabitants of the land, 

who promised to be servants and now want to 

take the mastery again.. My dear, thou dost not 

know how hard it is for me to lay down this 

crown ; it is truly like parting with a right eye. 

Is it not sorrowful that it should be so hard to 

give up after long struggles, and when I really 

thought they were dead which sought the young 

child's life? Do let us try to be faithful and 

watchful, and beg earnestly for the precious 

fruits and gifts of the Spirit. We do have such 



100 MEMOIR OF [^1.34. 

answers to prayer when we are truly concerned, 
that we ought to be encouraged. I do not think 
that I have ever asked that it has not been 
given, both spiritual and temporal blessing, but 
it is needful to get very low, to dwell in the spirit 
of true prayer." 

It must not be understood that she was 
opposed to mental cultivation, or consid- 
ered the talents bestovred by our heavenly 
Father were not all to be improved. This 
was by no means the case, but it was her 
desire that every thing should be kept in 
its place, entirely subservient to the one 
thing needful. 

In a letter written in the early part of 
her religious experience, she thus makes 
the distinction : 

I hke thy distinction between mental improve- 
ment and mental excitement It is the latter which 
is so fascinating, that I am growing afraid to 
trust myself in any degree to my former habits 
and pursuits. M. J. Graham says in her memoirs, 



^t. 34.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 101 

'^ Study has been, to me, like the stuff of Achan, 
beneath which was concealed the accursed thing." 
It seems to me rather more of a snare than an 
assistance, to any who would be likely to pursue 
it ^^ for its own sake," as some say it ought to be, 
just as if we had any right to pursue any earthly 
enjoyment '^ for its own sake." 

1 mo., 1855. 

It seems to me that we are called to great 
watchfulness in our conduct toward all, avoid- 
ing even the appearance of evil, and careful not 
to crush the least scruple in the little ones of the 
flock. 

We ought also to take heed that our speech 
be always *' with grace, seasoned with salt," that 
it may minister grace to the hearers. To redeem 
the time, not only from our pleasures, but also 
from our lawful and necessary cares, which too 
often absorb so much of our time and attention 
as not to leave us ability for the service which 
our blessed Master would call us into. Thus, 
though the days are evil, if we dwell so near our 
dear Saviour, we shall be favored to make our 
; 9^ 



102 MEMOIR OF [^t. 34. 

refuge under the shadow of the Almighty, till 
these calamities are overpast. 

2 mo., 19th, 1855. 

But we need not be discouraged : 

" He who hath helped us hitherto 
Will help us all our journey through ;" 

and this lesson of suffering, of nothingness, of 
poverty, and desertion, is no doubt our most 
profitable discipline. 

Is it not a comfort to take every cup directly 
from the hands of our tender Father, appealing 
to Him — ^'Thouknowest all things, Thou know- 
est that I love Thee ?" 

I was shown yesterday that the word to those 
who were perhaps too anxiously inquiring — 
*'Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" — was 
*' Eest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him," 
and that in quietness and confidence should be 
their strength. That, however desirous they may 
be to journey forward, they must wait until the 
cloud is lifted from the tabernacle, and the word 
is given, and *^ Though it tarry, wait for it, be- 
cause it will surely come, it will not tarry." 



JEt. 34.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 103 

To a sister : 

Baltimore, 3 mo., 20th, 1855. 

We must find out our own. work. The only- 
safe way for me, I find, is to wait day by day, to 
have my vf ork given me, and not be looking out 
too much, or even too anxiously, for something 
to do. It is surprising how, in this waiting state, 
the way opens sometimes, and how it is closed 
up at others ; but if I try to move in the dark I 
mostly stumble, so then I have to keep quiet. 
It is difficult to understand why, with the inclin- 
ation and the apparent ability to do, we should 
ever be commanded to keep quiet, when there is 
so much to be done ; but our ignorance is the 
first lesson to be learned, and, alas! has to be 
often repeated. Prayer, however, is our great 
weapon ; we truly never ask aright for any thing 
which is not granted. 

Do not the repeated tidings of sickness and 
death among our friends, which have reached 
us lately, make thee feel very solemnly the un- 
certainty of every thing, the unreality of this 
life ?*^ As we grow older, one after another must 
drop away, until we go too. How strange it is 



104 MEMOIR OF [iEt. 34. 

that we will persist in being so solicitous about 
the accommodations and enjoyments on this 
short journey ! 

From her journal : — 

5 mo., 15th, 1855. I want to crave a blessing 
on my study of the Bible, that my eyes may be 
opened that I may behold wondrous things out 
of the law of God, for I am deeply sensible that 
unless I am shown the true meaning by the 
Spirit which gave it forth, I can not perceive it. 

8 mo., 30th. Our longing for holiness is some- 
times a selfish, indolent weariness of the conflict. 
If our wills were entirely subdued, we should be 
satisfied to remain in the furnace as long as our 
good Master sees fit, and endure the fight of 
temptations, which sometimes seems so terrible. 
Ah, we want faith, faith that our tender and 
omnipotent Father is able and willing at all 
times to help us. 

To her husband :- — 

New York, 9 mo., 1855. 
I had a very delightful visit at Burlington. 
On First day we attended meeting, and afterward 



JEt35.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 105 

went to see Stephen Grellet, who was just able 
to come down stairs. He is extremely feeble, 
can not speak above a whisper, but in a most 
heavenly state of mind. I asked him how he 
felt. *' Very feeble," he said, '^but my good Master 
takes care of me ; I can trust Him ; He doeth 
all things well." After a while, we fell into 
silence, and, although his voice was so very 
weak, he addressed us at some length, encourag- 
ing us to trust in the good Shepherd, who not 
only took care of the sheep, but the lambs — who 
taketh them in His arms, and carrieth in His 
bosom, and gently leads those who are under 
burdens and exercises, and when they have been 
wounded in their wanderings over the barren 
mountains and desolate places, He makes them 
to lie down by the still waters, and in the green 
pastures, and restores their souls. This testimony 
to the goodness and mercy of our compassionate 
Lord, from the aged saint who had had so long 
experience of them, v/as very impressive. Al- 
together it was a visit which I think I shall 
never forget, and which I shall probably never 
repeat, he seemed so very feeble, I was received 



106 MEMOIR OF [^t. 35. 

everywhere with the greatest kindness, which al- 
ways surprises me, but it shows how Christian 
love and charity cover a multitude of sins. 

To one of her sisters:—- 

Baltimore, 9 mo., 1855. 
I don't know what is to become of us as a 
Society ; it seems as if every thing which can be 
shaken is to be removed; but it is an abiding 
comfort that all this— though it may, and indeed 
must, cause suffering— need not hinder the indi- 
vidual work ; that the little ones, and the weak 
ones are just as much cared for as ever by the 
great Shepherd, v/ho still gathers the lambs in 
His arms, and carries them in His bosom. The 
power of the Almighty Father is still over all, 
and under the shadow of His wings we may 
make our refuge until these calamities be over- 
j)ast ; and the great comfort is, that it is because 
of our weakness and poverty, our utter helpless- 
ness, that we may come ; not for our righteous- 
ness, but for His great mercies, that we have the 
claim. 



JEt. 35.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 107 

Baltimore, 11 mo^ 20tb, 1855. 
I feel quite well now, only it seems to me I 
am experiencing something of what a friend 
says, " That the vessels, after having been used, 
require purifying," which is not an operation 
pleasing to the love of ease and comfort natural 

to 113. 

I am feeling very seriously this morning that 
while we have seen the disadvantage of formality 
and narrowness of spirit, which refuses to be 
introduced into that liberty which is the privilege 
of the reconciled children of our tender Father; 
it is very needful to keep watch that the enemy 
does not lead us quite as far from the right path, 
though in a contrary direction, into self-indulg- 
ence, and a liberty which is not of the Truth, 
*' No man that waxreth, entangleth himself with 
the affairs of this life, that he may please Him 
who hath chosen him to be a soldier," and yet a 
proper attention to our outward concerns is ne- 
cessary, that we may not give occasion to the 
adversary to speak reproachfully. 

To a sister :— 



108 MEMOIR OF [^t. 35. 

Baltimore, 12 mo., 2 2d, 1855. 

My duties are very much contracted ; there is 
not much perplexity about them, but we well 
know that our work is what our Father gives us 
to do, not what we in our own wisdom may 
think needs attention. 

I have been led to consider the beauty of 
love and the necessity of it, and the folly and 
wickedness — though it may be unconsciously so — 
of going about finding fault with people, though 
we may cloak it under the appearance of a zeal 
for the truth and an abhorrence of sin. As if 
the government were upon our shoulders I I 
don't mean that we are not to feel grieved when 
things go wrong — sin must trouble us, if we 
view it rightly — but our grief should be without 
bitterness against the sinner. 

The time was now approaching in which 
He who had called and fitl.ed her for His 
service^ was pleased to say, ''It is enough,'^ 
and take her to Himself. During this 
winter her health gradually failed, and 
although those to whom she was so dear 



^t. 35.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 109 

fondly hoped that one so well qualified for 
usefulness in the militant church, would 
not be removed^ her own impression was, 
that her days would be few. 

This feeling, far from causing sorrow, 
seemed only to increase her desire to be 
in readiness to resign her stewardship, 
whenever the summons should come. She 
had, for more than a year past, been a 
member of the Ladies' Committee of the 
House of Refu2:e, and was much interested 
in this object, and earnest in her endeavors 
to benefit the inmates. 

She was exceedingly desirous of paying 
another — and, as it proved, a final — visit 
to this institution, but her health seemed 
unequal to the effort. A little increase of 
strength was however given, and this act 
of duty was performed.^ 

* The following extract from the Keport of the Managers of 
that Institution, wiU shoAV how her labors were appreciated: — 

" Our committee can not close this report without adverting 
to the sad bereavement we have met with in the death of Mrs. 

10 



110 MEMOIR OF [JEt. 35. 

She had occupied the position of Clerk 
to Baltimore Monthly Meeting of Women 
' Friends many years, and for two years pre- 
vious to this time^ had acceptably served 
that Yearly Meeting in the same capacity. 
At the close of that held this year, she 
made the following minute : — ^ 

We are bound to acknowledge, in grateful 
humility, that our heavenly Father has been 
pleased to be very near us, since we have been 
gathered together, and our drooping spirits have 
been afresh encouraged to trust in Him at all 
times. 

Whilst we have cause humbly to acknowledge 

Elizabeth Taber King. She was one of the first selected by 
your Board, and in losing her, the House of Refuge met with 
no common loss. But God, in His wisdom, saw best to call her 
to a better sphere. She was taken from us, but we trust that 
the remembrance of her holy life, her usefulness, and the lovely 
graces of her Christian character, will remain with us as a guiding 
light, still shedding its sweet influences around us on earth, 
while it lifts our thoughts heavenward, to that happy refuge 
^« home, provided by God for those who love Him, where there is 
' no sin, nor sorrow, no more pain, nor sickness, nor death." 

* Among "Friends" the men and women have separate 
meetings for the aduiinistration of the Discipline. 



Mt.Z5.] ELIZABETH T. KING* 111 

that His Spirit has been at work amongst us, 
both immediately and instru mentally, we crave 
that the good desires which have been raised in 
our hearts, may not be suffered to pass away 
without yielding fruit; but that we may be in- 
cited to greater and continued diligence in every 
good word or work, being solemnly impressed 
with the necessity of doing with our might, 
whatsoever our hands find to do, for the night 
cometh.^ 

During this winter she experienced se- 
vere bodily suffering at times, and deep 
mental conflicts were also permitted, but 
He whom she had chosen in youth, and to 
whom her health and strength had been 
devoted, did not forsake her. Remember- 

* Before the time of the next Yearly Meeting the hand which 
penned these hnes, was resting in the grave, and the gentle 
spirit was for ever at rest. 

In reference to this, the following minute was made by her 
successor. 

*' The minutes of the past year were read, and we were there- 
by reminded of the great loss we have sustained, in the removal 
of our dear friend. * Being dead she yet speaketh ;' and may we 
heed the solemn injunction, ' Work while it is called to-day, for 
the night cometh wherein no man can work.' " 



112 MEMOIR OF 



[.^t. 35. 



ing that we are but dust, He condescended 
to her weakness, and in seasons of depres- 
sion, His arms bore her above the waves, 
that they might not overwhelm. 

Baltimore, 2 mo., 6tb, 1856. 

I hope, my dear , thou wilt not feel sorry, 

if thou art surprised, at receiving a little mes- 
senger from me, for I have been thinking of 
thee more particularly of late, with much tender 
and affectionate interest, and very earnest desires 
that thou mayest be strengthened to do the wliole 
will of our heavenly Father, experiencing as the 
result of it, a portion of that peace which flows 
from this perfect acquiescence, and which is 
truly **not as the world giveth." I so often 
think of the remark of a Friend, that "Our Mas- 
ter gives large wages for very poor service." 
Where all is offered up, it is so graciously ac- 
cepted, even if, in our poverty, we can only bring 
" a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons." 
Do not think, my dear friend, that I speak, feel- 
ing as if I am any thing, or know any thing of 
myself. I am the veriest child — poor, weak and 



^t.35.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 113 

ignorant, inexpressibly so — but I can not refrain 
from bearing testimony to the power of that 
grace which, as it is submitted to, will cleanse, 
and teach, and strengthen, until *'old things are 
done away, and all things become new and all 
things of God." 

I have been very feeble since thou wast here, 
and, until last First day, have not been able to 
attend meeting since we were there together. 
But I have had a good deal of quiet enjoyment, 
in spite of the physical suffering; and have 
mostly been enabled to fix my eyes so entirely 
upon my numberless blessings as to lose sight of 
every thing else. " Oh, that men would praise 
the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful 
works to the children of men." 

I have had more time for reading than usual — 
in fact, rather more time than ability — and, 
among many other things, have re-read the life 
of Joseph John Gurney, which has seemed to 
me, more than ever before, a bright example of 
the Christian graces. His indefatigable industry, 
his entire dedication of himself, and all that he 
had, to the service of his dear Master — his un- 

10'^ 



114 MEMOIR OF [^t. 35. 

failing charity and deep humility, mark him out 
as a most conspicuous ornament to his profession. 
I was much pleased with a remark of his to a 
friend in affliction : ^^ I do not like any of the 
dispensations of our heavenlj^ Father to be called 
severe^-'' implying that they are all so tempered 
with mercy, that, being sent in love, severity is 
a harsh and unjust term to apply to them. The 
touching humility, too, with which he always 
sought to derive spiritual benefit from the hum- 
blest Christians, particularly from their ministry, 
is peculiarly worthy of imitation, especially now 
that there is such a critical tendency prevalent. 

I do not feel, my dear friend, that I can ex- 
press as I wish all that I feel with regard to thee 
— ^but I do earnestly crave for us both, an entire 
and unreserved dedication of our all to the will 
and service of our blessed Master, that we may 
be favored to keep very close to Him, and follow 
Him whithersoever He leadeth, I believe I have 
been brought into sympathy with what may 
have been at times the struggles and sorrows of 
thy spirit, and much desire that we may be 



^t. 35.] ELIZABETn T. K I ^^ G . 115 

favored to yield that unreserved obedience 
whicL. will alone bring us peace. 

In much tender affection I am thy friend. 

To one of her young friends : — 

Baltdiore, 2 mo., 6th, 1856. 

I suppose I shall be an unexpected corres- 
pondent, dear , but I hope not an unwel- 
come one, as I have been thinking of thee lately 
v/ith so much affectionate interest that I would 
like to give some expression to it. 

I have been very feeble this winter; and until 
last First day, have been able even to attend 
meeting but once in about two months ; never- 
theless I have had a very nice time at home; 
sometimes, but not often, feeling a little worn by 
the pressure of long-continued suffering and de- 
bility, but mostly enabled to look on the bright 
side so entirely as to lose sight of any other. I 
have had rather more time for reading than 
ability, but have been looking over Macaulay's 
History a little, rather more for the fascination 
of his narratives than dependence upon either 
his facts or conclusions. Setting aside natural 



116 MEMOIR OF [^t. 35. 

preferences, I don't like "his attacks on Friends. 
I think that — even if he disapproved of their 
doctrines, and in some instances of their actions, 
which, would be very natural — ^he might do 
justice to the purity of their lives, to their self- 
denying and heroic adherence to what they be- 
lieved to be right, and to the high standard 
which they raised in that dark time — a standard 
to which the Christian world, as it advances in 
purity and spirituality, is constantly coming 
nearer. I am not at all sectarian, but I do like 
to see a man capable of real, honest, earnest ap- 
preciation of goodness, and of elevation of feeling 
and character, wherever he meets it, and not 
going about with a Mephistopheles-sneer on his 
countenance, at every thing which is at variance 
with policy and conventionalism. 

I have been quite interested in a little I have 
read of Mitchell's Lectures on Astronomy. The 
vastness of the field opened is quite startling. I 
like Mitchell's enthusiasm, too — I like any one 
to go heart and soul into whatever they under- 
take. There is something, so ennobling in the 
study of all the works of the Creator, and then 



-^t. 35.] ELIZABETH T. KIKG. 117 

when we turn from the overwhelming views 
of the might, majesty, and power displayed in 
them, of which the utmost stretch of our intel- 
lect can not conceive— to the feeling that He is 
our Father — that He cares even for the sparrows 
— that He numbers the very hairs of our heads 
— how the soul is bowed in the deepest humilia- 
tion, while it may be animated by the most per- 
fect trust. 

I had such a sweet dream the other night. I 
thought I was at meeting, of which privilege I 
have been much deprived, and that an exhorta- 
tion was given to trust in the Saviour at all 
times, to lean upon Him in all our hours of 
trial, concluding with the words, ^^ and then shall 
we be enabled, in all truth and sincerity, to ac- 
knowledge, that * He doeth all things well.' " I 
can not express to thee the force and sweetness 
with which this dwelt upon my mind for a long 
time, and is constantly recurring. 

In a letter to a dear relative, written a 
short time before her death, she says : 

I am in a continual state of wonder at the en- 



118 MEMOIR OF [^t. 35. 

joyment and blessings wliich are heaped upon 
me. Mj eyes often fill with tears, at this feeling 
of the marvelous loving-kindness of our merciful 
Father. Sometimes, I fear, I do not sufficiently 
feel my own poverty, and lowness, and prone- 
ness to evil, but this vision of the loving and 
compassionate Saviour, ready to save to the utter- 
onostj all those who come to God by Him, seems 
to shut out every other view. 

Her watchful care over her own spirit 
still continued, as the following extract 
from her diary will show : 

2 mo., 26th, 1856. I believe it is not safe for 
me to be trusted with health and strength, under 
some plea or other I am so apt to use them for 
my own purposes. Lately I have lost my hold 
on the pearl ; in my attempts to promote the 
comfort of my family, the quiet of my spirit has 
been disturbed. Some of this is doubtless owing 
to physical weakness, but with every temptation, 
there is a way of escape ; there is never any need 
to sin. 

Another thing I have suffered loss from — enter- 



^t. 35.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 119 

ing into the business of the day, without seeking 
to have mj? spirit quieted and directed. So many 
things press upon me, this is sometimes neglected ; 
shame to me that it should be so. 

Some things I must bear in mind : 1st, Always 
to seek this daily retirement, and earnestly search 
into my faults. 2d, To talk less, and carefully 
to weigh my words, so that they may minister 
grace ta the hearer. Let me be careful, without 
display or pretension, when I do speak, to do 
some good, if it is only to manifest kind feeling 
toward others. 3d, and this is of great impor- 
tance, to watch carefully — now I am so weak — 
not to over fatigue myself, because then I can not 
contribute to the pleasure of others ; and a 23lacid 
face and a gentle tone wall make my family 
more happy than any thing else I can do for 
them. Our own will gets sadly into the perform- 
ance of our duties sometimes. 4th, Almost above 
every thing else, to agonize for a loving spirit 
toward all. 

To a sister: — 

BALTniOEE, 2 mo., 1856. 

Last First day I went to meeting, a privilege 



120 MEMOIR OF [.Et. 35. 

I had not before enjoyed in two montlis. Much 
to, my astonishment, I felt called upon to suppli- 
cate for those who felt themselves only to be 
penitent sinners, to beseech that we might all be 
bound together, so as to know what it is to 
dwell in love, being so deeply penetrated with a 
sense of our own infirmities, that we might not 
dare to look on those of others with any other 
feeling than that of compassionate love. 

This was the last time she was able to 
attend meeting, and thus was her testi- 
mony borne to the necessity of that " char- 
ity which thinketh no evil," which she had 
so long endeavored to exemplify in her 
daily life. 

To one of her young friends she sent 
the following note : — 

Baltimore, 3 mo., 1st, 1856. 
Do not think me intrusive, dear , if I ven- 
ture to tell thee that I have been thinking of 
thee for some days past with very tender and 
earnest solicitude for thy well-being in every 



^t 35.] ELIZABETH T. KIKG. 121 

way, and, particularly, that by implicit obedience 
to the dictates of the Holy Spirit in thy own 
heart, thou mayst become altogether what thy 
tender Father, thy compassionate and loving 
Saviour would have thee to be, even thoroughly 
conformed to His precepts — thoroughly submis- 
sive to His will in all things — thoroughly regen- 
erated, so that neither the love of the world, nor 
of any thing in it, may draw thy mind away from 
His love — but that thy affections may truly be 
set on things above. 

I do fully acknowledge, dear < , that I feel 

myself to be weaker than the weakest, and less 
than the least. I am humbled in the very dust, 
under a consciousness of falling very far short 
of the standard to which I desire and strive to 
attain ; but I have craved for thee, as for my 
own soul, that we may be found very diligent 
in waiting daily upon the Lord for light and 
strength, and be strictly obedient to what He 
shows us to be our duty in the smallest partic- 
ular, and that, feeling, as we must, our utter in- 
ability to do any good thing, we may seek most 

U 



122 MEMOIR OF 



[^t. 35. 



earnestly, most diligently, for the help which He 
will assuredly give. 

I can not express the tender love with which 
my mind is drawn out in these earnest desires 
for that which will secure not only thy eternal 
welfare, but promote thy happiness here ; for 
truly there can be no enjoyment on earth com- 
parable to that which is vouchsafed to the obe- 
dient children of our heavenly Father, who 
truly realize, amid all the trials which are insep- 
arable from this life, that *'in His presence is 
fullness of joy, and at His right hand there are 
pleasures for evermore." 

May we seek to experience this, dear ; 

may we be found constantly watching and wait- 
ing to know His will, and constantly striving to 
fulfill it, that we may glorify Him here, and 
finally be received into His everlasting peace. 

And again to another, for whose best in- 
terests she felt solicitous : — 

Baltimore, 3 mo., 16th, 1856. 
Thou hast been brought before my mind, I 
humbly trust, by the good Kemembrancer, with 



^t. 35.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 123 

very earnest desires that thou, and I, and all 
of us, may know what it is to experience a 
growth in the Truth — that we may in no degree 
slacken our diligence, but press forward until 
we attain that perfect stature in Christ Jesus, 
that thorough purification from the spirit of the 
world and the love of self which the holy Head 
of the Church requires of us, so that we may 
be heartily willing to become fools for His 
sake. 

In thinking of thee this morning, the injunc- 
tion of the Apostle was brought to my mind, 
and perhaps I may revive it for thy encourage- 
ment : *' Watch ye ; stand fast in the faith : quit 
you like men ; be strong.-^ 

Very shortly before her decease she 
rode into the city, with some effort, to see 
her husband's only sister, to whom she was 
much attached, and spent the morning 
with her ; giving the most detailed direc* 
tions as to the education of her three 
daughters in case she should be taken 
from them. Little did she then suppose 



124 MEMOIR OF [^t 35. 

that she to whom she was in some measure 
intrusting the care of her beloved offspring 
would, within a few weeks, also be called 
away in the bloom of life. The following 
is the last record in her sister's diary, and 
will show the feeling which subsisted be- 
tween them. 

My heart bleeds at the sad record I here make 
of mj^ beloved sister's death, which took place on 
First day last, the 23d inst., after giving birth to 
a son, who survived her but a few days. What 
else can we say but that '' the Lord gave, and 
the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the 
name of the Lord?" 

She sought the Lord who bought her with His 
own blood, and obeyed Him through life, doing 
even that from which her timid nature shrank. 
Her sweet, angelic countenance, even amidst in- 
tense suffering, can never be forgotton; and, oh! 
may her example and all her excellent precepts 
be an incentive to me to walk in the same path, 
and to mind the same things ; and in view of 
the uncertainty of my own life, may my thoughts 



^t. 35.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 125 

be SO directed, and a preparation so made, that, 
come life or death, I may be fitted for the mes- 
sage, and have no fears, but my mind be kept in 
perfect peace because it is stayed on Thee. 

The following is the last entry in her 
journal : — 

3 mo., 23d, 1856. I have an humble hope that 
the day is dawning, that the Sun of Eighteous- 
ness will arise, with healing in His wings. 

Oh, to be kept little, and low, and loving, self 
kept out of sight, "made of no reputation ;" and 
to feel that love, which has at times made hard 
things easy, and bitter things sweet, when I have 
felt the everlasting Arms underneath. 

Is not the injunction now given, '^ Fear not, 
thou worm Jacob?" Enable me, I beseech Thee, 
dearest Father, to look solely at the blessings 
where with Thou hast blessed me so abundantly ; 
enable me to trust, that, as Thou carest for the 
sparrows, and feedest the ravens, Thou wait also 
care for me ; and, oh ! enable me to bear, in pa- 
tient and trusting submission, all Thou seest meet 

to lay upon me. 

11^^ 



126 MEMOIR OF [^tas. 

She Avas taken more unwell on the 
same day, but the suiFering was soon re- 
lieved, and all danger seemed to be over. 
On her husband going to her bedside, and 
expressing his thankfulness that she was 
doing so well, she shook her head, and 
told him that within the past hour she had 
seen heaven, '^and what," she added, with 
a sweet smile, ''if I tell thee, that I feel as 
if nothing can draw me back but thee and 
the children ?" 

She was very soon taken alarmingly ill, 
and continued to grow weaker until she 
gently breathed her last, while a solemn 
but sweet stillness pervaded the room, as 
if those who watched over her were per- 
mitted to accompany the ransomed spirit 
to the entrance of the Haven of Rest. 

And now, having followed her through 
life, having seen her living desire to be 
conformed to her Master's will — her fer- 
vency of spirit, and diligence in perform- 



JEt. 35.] ELIZABETH T. KING. 127 

ing whatever was required-— may we be en- 
couraged to place our trust in the Lord, 
who supported her, and who will supply 
all the need of those who trust in Him. 

In conclusion, we will adopt her own 
words, in speaking of the death of Stephen 
Grellet:— 

I do sympathize with thee, and with all, in 
the great loss which has been sustained, but my 
mind has been so full of the unspeakably blessed 
and glorious change to our departed friend, that 
I have been scarcely able to bear the heavenly 
visiqn. No more change, no more sorrow for 
him ! — for ever with the Lord — satisfied on awak- 
ing in His likeness — no longer beholding Him 
through the veil of fleshly infirmity, but '' face 
to face" — free to mingle with the spirits of the 
just made perfect — no longer compelled to bear 
with the imperfections even of the good — no 
longer wounded with the sins or the sufferings 
of others — ^but at rest on the bosom of the Sa- 
viour^ where God himself shall wipe away all 
tears from his eyes. I was thinking of Chris- 



128 MEMOIR, ETC. [^t. 35. 

tian's passage over the river ; but what a con- 
voy must have awaited the release of this puri- 
fied spirit; — with what triumphant notes the 
golden harps must have welcomed his entrance 
into the Eternal City ! Now let us seek to 
mourn him as he would wish to be lamented, 
by looking not at our loss, but at his gain — by 
seeking after that earnest dedication of which he 
was so bright an example, that we may be en- 
abled, in our measure, to glorify Him who did 
such great things for our beloved friend, and is 
ready to grant us, also, the good gifts of His 
Holy Spirit, as we are concerned to seek them 
as earnestly, and employ them as faithfully, as 
was the case with him. 



THE END. 



I 4ArrlJ»60. 



i 




